Car vandals causing thousands of pounds worth of damage to cars parked in Billericay have forced a motorist into offering a reward to anyone who can help catch the culprits.

James Welton, 27, is so incensed by the malicious vandalism caused to cars parked in Danes Road over the past year that he is putting up several hundred pounds to try to jog people's memories and encourage witnesses to come forward.

Mr Welton, who has lived in the Billericay area all his life, said: "Last year my car was scratched down both sides and now a new car has been scratched the hell out of.

"I have seen other vehicles damaged in similar ways and it seems like malicious vandalism.

"My last car and current car have needed around £2,000 worth of repairs.

"It is really getting quite serious - now tyres are being let down and it is starting to get very personal with insults being scratched into the side of cars. The total damage done must run in to tens of thousands of pounds."

The incidents began around this time last year when Mr Welton, who works in London and parks his car in Danes Road during the day, came back to his vehicle to find it had been scratched along one side.

On another occasion vandals scratched the opposite side of his car. Now a year later the same thing has happened to his new BMW coupe.

Mr Welton said: "I have seen other cars damaged in similar ways and it seems it has happened to a huge number of cars in this particular location.

"The police have said it is very difficult to do anything about the problem in Danes Road unless witnesses come forward.

"I just hope by offering a reward we can find out who is doing this and stop it happening. I would ask anyone who has seen something to get in contact with the police."

Witnesses can call PC Jason Dilliway at Billericay Police on 01277 219222 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111

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