Residents were calling the police in tears after their cars were targeted during a late night rampage.

Police in Basildon have received calls from more than ten residents, a number expected to rise to above 20, who found their cars with smashed windows, slashed tyres or stolen items on Sunday morning.

The incidents all occurred in Craylands and The Fryth between 11pm on Saturday night and 6am Sunday morning, causing thousands of pounds worth of damage.

PC Rob Couchman said: "I think whoever is doing this must just be bored and have nothing better to do than cause grief and ruin people's lives.

"I have had two residents break down in tears on the phone and another one in shock because he thinks he is being targeted.

"We are trying our best to reassure people they are not being individually targeted but, for some, this is the sixth time this has happened."

PC Couchman said patrols in the area had been increased and leaflets had been distributed to encourage residents to park their cars in well-lit areas and hide any valuables.