A store repeatedly targeted by vandals will have to shut down because insurers have refused to pay out any more cash, its owner said today.

Mike Luff, managing director of Shoeworld, claimed police were doing nothing to help the store in Market Pavement, Basildon, even after a car reversed straight through the front of the store.

Mr Luff claims the mindless vandalism is at the hands of groups leaving nearby pubs, as all of the incidents have happened overnight.

He said: "Due to the lack of effort by Basildon police, we have had more than nine smashed windows. Action should be taken to close down the premises where these drunken louts are oiling themselves up to carry out such vandalism."

"There is now a likelihood we will be closing the branch as the insurance company will no longer cover the costs involved in replacing the windows."

The most recent attack on the shop happened overnight between Wednesday, August 7, and Thursday, August 8, where the windows were smashed.

Basildon police say that they need more help to catch the offenders.

A spokesman said: "The problems are possibly being caused by drunks leaving the pubs late at night. CCTV would make our job a lot easier."

Published Tuesday August 13, 2002

Brought to you by the Evening Echo