A VANDAL gouged deep scratches into scores of parked cars in a crime spree.

A total of 39 cases of criminal damage have been reported by furious drivers across Frinton and Walton after they discovered the scratches on their vehicles.

The total cost of repairing the damage has been put at more than £20,000.

The mass of incidents are thought to have been caused by a single person in a lengthy late-night rampage.

Cars were damaged in Green Lane, Woodberry Way, Crescent Road, Hall Lane, New Pier Street and The Parade in Walton, as well as Rainham Way and Pole Barn Lane in Frinton.

Police say the attack caused significant damage to a lot of the cars.

Glyn Lashmar, of Woodberry Way, Walton, who found his car damaged, said: “My car had been scratched right down the side.

“It seems like the whole road was targeted. People are really upset.

Sgt Pete Gerard said: “I am appalled at the level of damage that was caused.

“Rarely in my service have I experienced this level of crime being committed in one area in one night.

Police have released a CCTV image in a bid to catch the culprit.

Anyone with information about the crimes, which happened between November 24 and 25, has been urged to call PC Ian Rutherford on 101, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.