Vandals smashed 18 car windscreens in Melbourne's west in pre-Christmas attack

Some residents in Melbourne's west have been left reeling after at least 18 cars were vandalised overnight.

Vehicles across four south-western suburbs – Altona, Williamstown, Williamstown North and Newport – were targeted between 10 and 11pm, with their back windscreens smashed in.

"I still have food shopping to do and now I can't drive my car," victim Maryanne Marco said.

"About eight cars in Altona have had the same thing happen – it's just been a spate locally," she said.

One teenager was sitting in his car when its windscreen was smashed in, and attempted to follow the offenders.

Police have interviewed victims and will review CCTV footage from the affected streets.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.