DOZENS of Ford Fiestas across south Essex have been stolen by crooks targeting them for parts sparking a plea to owners. 

Essex Police said 2013 to 2017 models of the car had been the victim of thefts in October with them believed to be targeted for parts and the shells disposed of.

There have been 100 stolen across the county including 18 being stolen in the Rochford district with Southend and Basildon also impacted.

Danielle Burton, Rochford Conservative councillor responsible for climate and economy, runs an energy efficiency business in Shotgate, near Wickford, and she says 20 of her vans have been stolen over the last 15 years.

She said: “It makes me extremely angry.

“Vehicle theft has been a crime that is on the up over the last few years from what I can tell.

“I have been the victim of vehicle theft and even though there are steps residents can take to ensure their cars are kept secure, police need to crackdown even more to catch those causing the trouble.

“All residents should be able to leave their cars on their driveways and in public places with confidence, and my plea to Essex Police would be to continue working on catching these people and for residents to supply as much evidence as they can from CCTV or camera doorbells.

“I sympathise and my thoughts are with those who have been affected by this.”

It comes as the final Ford Fiesta rolled off the production line in July due to a “combination of factors”, such as the Covid-19 pandemic causing a shortfall of car parts and the switch to electric cars leading to a decline in sales.

Essex Police has sent out warnings to owners after dozens of cars became the victim of thefts.

A spokesman said: “Our Stolen Vehicle Intelligence Unit encourage owners to ensure vehicles are double locked when left unattended, and to consider OBD protection, full steering locks, immobilisers.

“They suggest this type of vehicle is not stolen via relay attack; therefore, faraday pouches/bags will not prevent the theft.”

The Ford Fiesta was introduced to the world in 1976 and went on to become the most popular car to ever be sold in the UK.

Ford announced in October last year that it would be stopping the Fiesta in 2023.