THE doorbells will not be ringing out this Christmas.

Carol singers are turning nasty when residents are not responding to their crooning.

Mean spirited groups of youngsters have been stealing doorbells when occupants have not acknowledged their efforts.

The majority of incidents have occurred in the Constable Avenue and Peter Bruff areas of Clacton.

An 11-year-old was caught with a handful of doorbells after police investigating a report of youngsters knocking on doors and running away.

He was arrested and taken to Clacton Police Station before he was released on bail.

Police have been alerted to at least seven incidents in the town in the past week.

They have appealed for any homeowners whose doorbells are missing to come forward.

Carol-singing youngsters stole a doorbell from a home in Oxford Crescent after the occupant refused to answer the door.

The youngsters started singing outside on Wednesday at about 9.45pm but banged on the door when the resident did not answer.

The doorbell was later discovered missing.

A spokesman for Clacton police station said: “An officer witnessed three boys knocking on doors and running away in Ashtead Close.

“One of the boys was found carrying six doorbell remotes.

“PC Robert Bowden is actively looking into a series of thefts.

“He has urged residents to be vigilant and provide descriptions when they can.”

n Anyone with information is asked to call PC Bowden at Clacton Police Station on 0300 333 4444.