Security patrols are being stepped up at Braintree's Freeport centre in a bid to stop crooks raiding cars crammed with designer shopping.

Police say there has been a rise in criminals targeting the shopping village's car park.

Thieves have got away with hundreds of pounds worth of designer goods left in cars as people go back into the £30 million complex to finish their shopping.

Crime prevention officer Geoff Butler said: "Freeport is causing some problems with vehicle crime. People are buying in bulk, leaving their shopping on the back seat of their cars and going back in to do more shopping.

"It is easy-pickings for the criminals."

He has been in talks with Freeport bosses to try to stamp out the problem. Mr Butler said the shopping complex had already boosted security patrols and CCTV camera surveillance to catch the crooks.

"They have got cameras and are putting uniformed guards up there to try to combat it," he said.

"But people need to make sure their cars are secure and not leave goods on display."

Police are investigating a spate of car-related crime in Braintree - especially around Bartram Avenue and the Fairview estate.

Radios have been ripped out of vehicles causing hundreds of pounds in damage.

Determined crooks even managed to get away with a stereo which was welded into a car in an unsuccessful bid to make it theft-proof.

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