A TEENAGER has been charged after allegedly stealing a passport and two expensive mobile phones.

An identity document, Apple iPhone 5c and Samsung Galaxy Ace were stolen from a home in Wivenhoe last Wednesday.

A 17-year-old was arrested in New Street, Brightlingsea the same day.

He was also charged with possession of cannabis.

The teen was bailed to appear at Colchester Magistrates' Court on June 17 after being arrested as part of an intensive summer operation.

Extra resources are being devoted to Tendring and the surrounding area to cover the busy summer season with tourists descending on the various coastal resorts.

A crackdown on the widescale drug problem in Clacton is also being carried out.

The town is suffering with gangs coming from the capital to deal class A substances at the coast.

Sgt Alex Southgate said: "We are now in one of the busiest periods of the year and know criminals always take advantage of this.

"But we are sending out a clear message that their behaviour will not be tolerated and we will deal robustly with anyone who comes to Tendring district to commit crime.”

Anyone with information about drugs in Clacton is asked to contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.