MORE public money should be spent on youth projects on Canvey to stop youngsters hanging about at night and damaging property.

Steven Cole, Canvey West Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator, urged Castle Point Council to do more after vandals went on the rampage in several Canvey streets.

One resident’s car was attacked in St James Close and its windows and lights smashed.

In St Paul’s Road a sign was vandalised, and several residents have suffered vandalism to their garden fences.

Mr Cole said: “I’m speaking on behalf of the residents who went to the police. They are not happy with what the vandals did last weekend.

“We want to stop the spate of vandalism by young people here, but we need the support of the council to fund more projects for young people.

“For example, there are not enough youth clubs or projects on this island to go around. I don’t want to see our young people’s lives ruined because they commit petty crimes.”

However, council chief executive David Marchant said his authority already provided “significant support” to a number of youth projects.

He added: “In particular on Canvey, we support Images, the youth centre on Futherwick Road, and the Skate Park and Teen cafe at Waterside Farm.

“The council also supports the valuable work being done by the Castle Point Youth Council.”

Insp Chris Wood, of Canvey police, said: “We are investigating three reports of criminal damage which took place overnight on Saturday, January 15, and the early hours of Sunday, January 16.

“We had reports of criminal damage to two cars, a Honda and a Daewoo, in Cedar Road, Canvey, in the early hours of Sunday, January 16, where it appears someone has jumped on the cars and run over them.

“A Toyota Avensis was also damaged in St Paul’s Road and the front and side lights were smashed.

“Criminal damage causes stress and inconvenience to those whose property is damaged and it is not acceptable.”

Anyone with information about any of the incidents is asked to call Canvey police station on 0300 3334444, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.