Despairing traders were today counting the cost after youths threw bricks through their windows causing thousands of pounds of damage - just days after graffiti was sprayed over their property.
The windows at the hair salon, video store and Duo fashion shop, in Church Road, Benfleet, were the latest businesses to be targeted by vandals.
A gang of youths were seen running down the parade of shops at about 9.30pm last night throwing bricks at the windows before running off as the police arrived.
This comes just three days after yobs left a trail of destruction at the parade which included smashed windows and graffiti.
Shop owners today said they were convinced the vandals responsible are youths who have previously caused similar damage at Tarpots.
Jo Bushell, owner of the Flower Fountain, said: "I can't believe the vandalism has happened again after the graffiti on Sunday."
Daniel Lloyd, who runs Lloyd Carpets, said the problem was escalating at an alarming rate.
He said: "These youths are getting braver and braver. If something is not done, it is going to end in someone getting killed."
Insp Chris Wood, from Benfleet police, said they would look again at the problem.
Published Thursday, January 30, 2003
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