Security is being stepped up at trouble-hit Wickford fire station after yobs launched another attack on the building.

Arsonists broke into the yard and set two cars ablaze in the latest incident.

Fire bosses yesterday said they believed the town's £161,000 CCTV system could be to blame for pushing villains on to their patch.

Two vehicles generously donated by the public for the retained firefighters to use in training were destroyed in the attack.

Luckily no damage was caused to the fire station, which has just been repainted, during the blaze.

Station officer Jack Imrie said he wasn't surprised to hear about the attack. He said: "There has been a history of incidents at the fire station over the past four years.

"We've had broken windows and two years ago the front door was kicked in. Every day when we come in there's glass in the yard where bottles have been thrown over the fence.

"I've just been waiting for a fire and eventually we will get a break-in, which is more worrying because the machines cost a fortune."

He said that extra measures were now being considered, such as improving lighting on the site, in the hope of deterring criminals. A hi-tech intruder alarm system will also be fitted shortly.

Mr Imrie believes the problem has been exacerbated by Wickford's CCTV system, installed two years ago.

While the town centre has reported a sharp drop in all types of crime, other areas are suffering.

Mr Imrie said: "We don't come within the CCTV area and what's been happening a lot is that the vandals move out of the town centre and away from the CCTV.

"The cameras push the crime into other areas and we're a perfect target. That's the problem with unmanned premises."

Police are now investigating the Arson.

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