Essex Police step up patrols after spate of car crime in Wickford (From Echo)

Essex Police step up patrols after spate of car crime in Wickford

8:50am Tuesday 14th February 2012 in Basildon

POLICE are stepping up patrols after a spate of car vandalism in Wickford.

Since the start of the year, seven cars have had their paintwork scratched, three have had tyres slashed and two had them punctured, while two more had windows smashed and another had both the tyres punctured and paintwork scratched.

Streets targeted include Highcliffe Road, Carlyle Gardens, Elder Avenue, the London-bound A127, Albany Road, London Road, Oakhurst Close, Rettendon View, Berens Close and Station Road.

In one of the worst incidents, yobs caused £1,000 damage to a Peugeot in Highcliffe Road. They scratched both sides of the car and the roof last Wednesday afternoon.

Uniformed and undercover officers will go where vandalism has been reported.

Sgt Paul Mayo, of Wickford police, who is heading the operation, said: “An extensive and unacceptable amount of damage has been caused.

“We will be covertly patrolling the affected areas, and ask people to report anything suspicious.

“Residents don’t need the hassle and expense of this at the hands of mindless vandals, so I also appeal to anyone who knows who is responsible to tell us who it is.”

Anyone with information about the crimes can contact Sgt Mayo at Wickford police station on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.