Police today vowed court action against anyone caught smashing up public phone boxes in Basildon.

The pledge came from Basildon police's operations manager and temporary Supt Glenn Caton following the discovery of two vandalised phone boxes in Miles Gray Road, Basildon.

Shells - the shattered phone boxes in Basildon destroyed by vandals Picture: LUAN MARSHALL

He said: "We are not aware of an emerging trend in this type of crime but we are more than happy to work with BT in relation to it.

"This is criminal damage and if we saw anyone, or had information about someone, we would arrest them for it.

"It is a bit like abandoned cars. It makes the place look a lot worse and is like some sort of statement.

"However, they are statements we do not want in the area."

Published Friday, June 20, 2003

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