The tyres of more than 30 cars were slashed in Walton during one night.

Angry people from homes and businesses in the town were left without a means of transport the day after.

The tyres of the 31 vehicles damaged were mainly in Saville Street, Station Street and High Street and were all cut in a similar way.

Insp John Hayter, of Clacton police, said: "We've never known it so bad."

Melanie Counter, 39, of Station Street, Walton, who had one tyre slashed, was still without her car over the weekend.

She said: "It's come at the worst possible time. I can't go out and I can't go shopping or anything.

"Luckily, my husband has got a van for work and he doesn't park outside so they didn't get it. He would never have been able to get to work if they had got his as well, and he works in London."

Brian Kershaw, who owns a clockmakers and jewellers in the High Street, had two tyres slashed which cost him £100 to replace.

Mr Kershaw, 64, said: "It makes me feel angry but it's more the inconvenience because you never know if you might need your car in an emergency, but I suppose that's life today. I only had new ones put on at Christmas."

He added: "It's mindless vandalism."

Published Monday, February 24, 2003

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