BUSINESSES have accused the police of inaction after a string of break-ins along Orsett Road in Grays.

Seven properties were broken into within two months, including the Fresh Fill Snack Bar and Quirk Deakin estate agency. It seems potential targets were smeared with blue paint beforehand.

Businesses say not enough has been done to protect their properties and the police have been too slow to take action.

Russell Bennett, owner of Quirk Deakin, whose front and back doors were crowbarred twice, said: “I was fuming about the break-ins. And the police are an absolute joke.

“It just feels like someone has targeted us, has been watching us, the way they have worked over every property in the street.”

Firms have now all upped their security, including fitting iron bars, CCTV and new gates.

Laptops and cameras were taken during the break-ins, and in two premises, the words Romania Power were scrawled on the wall, and Romania is King was carved into a table.

Bloodlines Tattoo Parlour came back after the Easter break to find the premises trashed.

Denise Hopwood, parlour manager said: “They hurled everything out of cupboards and we’ve had no help from the police.”

A police spokesman said: “Detectives are investigating a series of burglaries that took place at commercial premises during February and March.

Inquiries are ongoing. Residents and businesses can be assured we are doing everything we can to find out who is responsible.”