Horrified traders today told of their shock after discovering vandals had left a trail of destruction through their parade of shops.

The yobs went on the rampage along the row of 20 shops in Church Road, Benfleet, last night, smashing windows and spraying graffiti.

Nigel Lloyd, who runs Lloyd Carpets, said he was devastated to see the damage when he went to open his business this morning.

He said: "Nearly all the shop windows in the parade have been sprayed with gold, red or blue paint. It will take a good couple of days to clear up. This is the latest in a series of incidents in which the youths that have previously hung around at Tarpots have targeted our shops.

"I have had three windows smashed in the last five months and we are talking large windows that cost more than £1,000 each to be replaced or repaired. There was also an incident in which two youths came into the shop when my mother was here by herself and threatened to burn it down. It really upset her."

Mr Lloyd, who runs the business on behalf of his father, added: "We have seen a range of improvements such a better street lighting and paving installed in Church Road, but this just seems to attract vandals who are hell-bent on ruining it."

Crime reduction officer Jason Sculthorpe said: "We can assure the public we are constantly working with partnerships to rid Castle Point of these problems."

Published Monday, January 27, 2003

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