Police have warned trendy youngsters to take care with their designer baseball caps in a bid to halt a spate of thefts.
Four incidents have been reported in the past few days where youths in Basildon have had caps stolen from their heads.
Acting Police Sergeant Andy Weeks from Basildon police said: "Reports have just started to come in about these incidents and we had two yesterday.
Big headache : Steven Wright has had two caps stolen while wearing them Picture: DAVE HENDERSON
"This could be the start of a spate of incidents and we are obviously keen to stop it progressing further."
Steven Wright, 14, from Codenham Green, Basildon, has had two brand new caps stolen from his head as he walked through the town centre.
He had paid £15 each for the navy Nike TN Air caps he bought from the town centre's Footlocker store out of money he received for his birthday last week.
He said: "I bought one and had it stolen and then bought another one and it happened again.
"I was really annoyed and don't think I will buy another one. It's not worth the hassle."
His mum Sheree said: "I am furious kids can be so nasty. Steven really loved the caps and was in tears when it happened the second time.
"I would just like parents to be aware this is happening and it could be their children doing it and upsetting someone."
Acting Sgt Weeks said: "We would warn youths to mark their hats so they can be easily identified if they are stolen. We can only presume this is happening because we are in the Easter holidays and hope it will not continue."
Published Friday, April 25, 2003
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