THIEVES have robbed children of a popular attraction in the latest attack on Maldon's Prom Park.

The amusement centre in the park has been targeted twice by thieves in the last week.

And in one incident they stole the generator used to inflate the bouncy castle, which is normally used by up to 200 children every weekend in the summer.

It means the bouncy castle is now out of action. They forced open a locked shed and stole the generator.

Two days earlier, other sheds containing a stock of teddy bears and stored rides were ransacked. Padlocks were broken, expensive battery chargers smashed and teddy bears strewn around.

More than £100 damage was caused but nothing was taken.

Andrea Saffill, manageress of Valley Amusements, said it was the last straw. "We couldn't believe we had been done over again.

"We barely make money anyway with only a few hot weekends to pull people in. This doesn't help," she said.

The search for a replacement generator is on, but staff are worried they may not find another one in time for the summer rush.

"It had a special adaptor and we are frantically searching for a similar one," said Mrs Saffill.

The incidents are the latest in a string of attacks at the park.

There have been two arson attacks on kiosks this year and two months ago thieves broke into the amusement centre's safe and took £1,500 in 10p pieces.

Police said the possibility of extra officers on patrol will be looked at.

Unhappy - Andrea Saffill, manageress of Valley Amusements

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