DESPERATE thieves resorted to the old fashioned method of jacking cars up on bricks to steal sought-after Ford cars and parts.

Essex Police has launched a new operation after the Basildon district was subjected to more than 70 car crimes in the past three months.

Criminals are targeting Ford cars – mainly Fiestas – inLaindon, Wickford and Langdon Hills.

Last week, thieves targeted 12 Fiestas in Wickford and Langdon Hills.

The week before they targeted seven vehicles.

Sgt Kate Ammon, from Basildon police, said: “There is a significant trend in car crime causing us concern.

“We have officers from headquarters in Chelmsford analysing the offences, mapping geographical ‘hotspots’ and helping us to understand what times of day the offences are happening.

“This is helping us to target out resources through covert and high visibility patrols. We are urging motorists to ensure their cars are properly locked up at night, not to leave valuables on display and to park their car as close to their property as possible.

“If you see anyone loitering around vehicles, or anyone acting suspiciously in your area we would urge you to contact police wither on 999 or the non-emergency number 101.”

As well as stealing vehicles, crooks have been stealing wheels and number plates.

They have also been breaking in to cars to steal cash, sunglasses and stereo systems.

Anyone with information about who is responsible for the car crime spree should contact Basildon police on 101.

Alternatively, leave information anonymously on 0800 555111.

Tina’s new Fiesta targeted

A RAYLEIGH woman is devastated by the theft of her white Ford Fiesta from outside her house.

Tina Bull, of Albany Road, locked her car after unloading some tins of paint on Wednesday afternoon, but came out the next morning and the car had gone.

She had bought the motor with money left to her after both her parents passed away last year. She also had personal belongings in the vehicle.

Ms Bull, who works at Basildon Hospital, said: “I am gutted. I only bought it in October so it was nearly brand new and it was also more than just a car to me – it had real meaning to it.

“This is normally a safe road.

It’s a nice area and it’s quiet. I didn’t hear anything.

“I was looking for my bank card on Thursday morning and thought I may have dropped it in my car. I went to look in the morning and the car just wasn’t there, but there was no glass on the road or anything.

“So not only have I had to worry about my car, but I’ve had to cancel my bank card as well as that could be in the car, too.”

Ms Bull, 53, was given a lift to work on Thursday by her son, but is now left waiting for her insurance company to process her claim before she can get back on the road.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “We have had reports of the theft from Albany Road, Rayleigh, between 3pm on Wednesday, April 29 and 6.10am the following morning.

“Any one with information about the incident is asked to contact Essex Police on 101.”