PINT-sized burglars aged just 12 were responsible for a string of thefts and break-ins across Basildon.

The three-strong gang of pre-teen tearaways appeared at Basildon Magistrates’ Court to admit more than 20 charges.

All three escaped being sent to a young offenders’ institution, but the ringleader was put under curfew with an electronic tag.

Sgt Mark York-Wade, of Basildon police, said: “It’s all about burglaries and thefts. Some are residential and also there are commercial burglaries and also we have got thefts from shops.

“They have certainly been responsible for many more offences than just the ones where we were able to put before the courts.

“It’s sad. The families aren’t helping them.”

One youth, from Laindon, was charged with 24 offences, all committed in July and August.

They included the theft of shorts from New Look, a break-in at Iceland, a burglary at Pot Belly’s Café and a burglary at Top Nails.

Other shops included Poundland, Martins Newsagents and Socialites Zero, where £1,330 worth of vaping equipment was stolen.

The yob also broke in to the Scope and British Heart Foundation charity shops, in Southernhay, and Most Holy Trinity Church, in Wickhay.

Julie Robinson, assistant manager at Scope, described how the youngster “ransacked” the shop.

She said: “The panels on the door are all glass and he has kicked that in. It didn’t smash but he has just crawled through. He was obviously looking for money.

“I think he got £1 out of the till and then he broke into the back room. He ransacked the office and literally everything was on the floor.”

Mrs Robinson said the youth did not find the float but did steal an old “flip-up” phone, which would have been virtually useless. She said the burglar’s age shocked her.

She added: “I was very surprised. When the police told me, I was like: “Really?”

“I have been told he hangs around with older boys and they dare him to do things, so I do feel for him. But if the parents are not saying this is wrong I do worry. He’s not scared of the police, he’s out at all hours and it makes you wonder what will happen when he’s 17 or 18.”

The boy was handed a youth-rehabilitation order and will be placed under a three-month electronic curfew between 7pm and 7am. Another youth, from Langdon Hills, admitted seven offences and was handed a youth rehabilitation order.

The third boy, from Basildon, admitted two offences and was also handed a youth rehabilitation order.