Yobs have allegedly smashed car windows and patio doors in a surge of “awful” vandalism in Wickford.
Residents in the town have reported several incidents of groups of “kids” hurling rocks through car windows and at houses and local businesses.
The town has been the centre of a police crackdown on antisocial behaviour since last year, with catapults and marbles seized and a bus service being stopped for several days due to safety fears.
One resident, who asked to remain anonymous, had her car window smashed last month while it was sitting on her driveway.
“I don’t understand why you have to be so awful,” she said. “I know they are kids but my kids would never do anything like this.”
She reported the incident online to the police but has not heard back.
She added the vandals are not only targeting roads and vehicles, and that the problem has been going on for years.
“This week, they have done a patio door and someone’s window when their little girl was in the room, as well as my car,” she said.
Basildon Council said it is aware of the problem and working closely with Essex Police to respond, including “high-visibility and covert activity”.
Last June, it was reported by the Echo that catapults and marbles were seized from young people after reports of wildlife and businesses being targeted.
This resulted in police ramping up patrols in Wickford town centre, and Essex Police acknowledged the “concerning” behaviour was “upsetting” the community.
A spokesperson for Basildon Council said: “There is a dedicated Task Force group established to address antisocial behaviour in the area, with the multi-agency group meeting fortnightly bringing together a range of partners to co-ordinate enforcement, engagement, and environmental improvements.
“Recent partnership work has included pop‑up community engagement events, positive diversionary youth work, planned enhancements to local CCTV coverage, and improvements to fencing and gating at Nevendon Park.
“We strongly encourage residents to continue reporting any further incidents. These reports are vital in helping build the intelligence picture, informing police deployment and tactics, and providing the evidence needed to support appropriate enforcement action.
“Reports can be made online at: https://www5.basildon.gov.uk/report/AntiSocialBehaviour”
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