A coach firm today told how it was looking to increase security at its depot after joyriders stole a second double decker bus within a month

The bus was later found abandoned outside Gala Bingo in St John's Street, Colchester.

The vehicle was due to take youngsters to school yesterday morning, but the pupils were left to make their own arrangements.

Kathy Ward, a partner at Wards Coaches at Alresford, said the company would normally have had a spare bus to do the run, but it had a broken alternator.

It was repaired in time to pick up the children after school.

"This is very annoying, to say the least, and it's the second bus we have had taken within the space of a month," she said.

"The last one went on December 28 and it was found dumped in Maldon Road, Colchester."

Mrs Ward said the company would now look at taking further advice and consider installing barriers on the land, despite the extra cost.

Published Wednesday January 21, 2004

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