YOBS who vandalised 27 cars in one night have returned with a vengeance. And this time they have damaged 48 motors in the space of less than 24 hours.

The vandals’ rampage was in Laindon and Langdon Hills, scratching the word “Spartan” on to cars, causing £40,000 of damage.

The yobs struck in the early hours of Wednesday morning, damaging cars in Puckleside, Debden Green, Mildmayes, Berry Lane, Westmede, Barons Way, Longwick and Osborne Road.

The incident is less than a fortnight since similar damage was done to cars in Langdon Hills – the word “Spartan” etched into the paintwork as an apparent calling card. The latest spree has brought the total tally of cars tagged by the Spartan yobs to 75.

Disabled Sidney Perrin, 61, of Puckleside in Laindon, faces a £300 bill after the gang targeted his rented Renault Megane. He said: “It’s just mindless vandalism. I’d like to find their parents’ cars.”

At the time of the first incidents, police were considering the possibility the gang had been inspired by the violent cult film 300, which celebrates the exploits of the legendary Greek Spartan warriors.

Debbie Farmer’s husband Nicholas had his Daewoo Matisse scratched. She said: “The only thing I can think of with Spartan in is the film 300, but I don’t think this lot are driving around in chariots!

“This is going to cost us more money through our insurance, which is something we just can’t afford.”

A 45-year-old woman from Debden Green, said her husband’s taxi had suffered £2,000 of damage.

She added: “What are they getting out of it?

“If they were breaking into cars, you could see how they would be making money, but they’re getting nothing out of this at all.”

Chief Supt Maurice Mason, of Basildon police, said officers had already knocked on 350 doors as part of their investigation.

He said: “My entire team of officers and police staff understand the distress and nuisance this has caused to residents.

“I take it as a personal insult those responsible think they can get away with it. Let me assure them and reassure residents we will catch those responsible.”

Witnesses to the vandalism, all of which happened between 6pm on Tuesday and 6am the next day, are asked contact PC Debbie Martin at Laindon police on 0300 3334444.