VANDALS daubed foul language on cars, walls and shops and damaged vehicles and road signs.

Last week The Gazette revealed how graffiti had been repeatedly sprayed in areas across The Hythe in Colchester with council zone wardens being tasked with cleaning it off.

Essex University students had also had eggs thrown at their accommodation.

On Saturday, the vandals targeted road signs and other street furniture across the Hythe and New Town daubing them with racist and offensive words.

Lee Scordis (Lab) who represents the area on Essex County Council described the people as sad and selfish.

He said: “This growing trend is incredibly worrying and this recent spate is truly shocking.

“The fact that someone has felt empowered enough to graffiti someone’s car or wall suggests they are not afraid of any consequences.

“I would like to tell the perpetrators you’re not funny, cool or even artistic.

“In fact, you are clearly very sad and selfish people.”

Mr Scordis called for more police throughout the year to crack down on the troublemakers.

He said: “I know the police have been knocking on doors in New Town for the Street Weeks initiative but we need to see a greater presence all year round.

“It is not right that residents now have to worry about leaving their cars parked in the street and subject to vandalism.”

On the same night, youths were caught scratching cars and damaging a road sign on CCTV.

Nichola Greatorex, of Lenz Close, spotted them on security cameras.

She said: “We have had a lot of problems with teenagers on mopeds driving through the estate and other forms of anti-social behaviour that has been getting out of hand for some time.

“We desperately need more of a police presence here as well as more communication from them.”

Colchester Council safety boss Mike Lilley (Lab) said: “Once again we see the effects of the Government’s cuts on the police. “They are doing the best they can with limited resources.”