A fed-up shop owner has urged police to step up patrols in Wickford before vandalism gets out of hand - and businesses close.

Yobs went on the rampage through the town last weekend leaving windows broken and car tyres slashed.

Adrian Rondeau had two of his three music stores in the High Street targeted during the night.

Although the streets remained quieter during the Easter weekend, the long-term Wickford resident fears the crimes could be the start of something - if they are not "nipped in the bud".

He said: "This happened ten years ago and the streets were full of violence and vandalism. I came to the end of my tether and thought seriously about packing up and leaving Wickford. I am not at that stage again yet, but many people are."

Police stepped up their patrolling on the streets of troubled Wickford and Billericay during the weekend.

Few reports came in of vandalism in the areas.

However, Mr Rondeau - who owns Adrians record and video shops - was once again left to count the cost of his latest attack.

He said: "I am building an outside lockup to one of the shops. So far, there is only the timber frame work.

"That has now got to be taken down and rebuilt as yobs kicked it in and left it lop sided.

"This is one of those problems which has gone on for a number of years. I do not think it will ever go unless the police make their presence felt. That is the only answer.

"If people realise they are going to be arrested if they do this, I am sure they will think twice.

"I have had countless talks with the police but they say they do not have the manpower. I understand that, but it does not solve the problem."

Mr Rondeau also fears that people will become too scared to go to the shops if the vandalism gets worse.

Many of the shops rely on late night custom - Mr Rondeau's video rental shop is open until 10pm.

He added: "If people are too afraid to come out, the shops will not be able to make a living and will close. If this can be nipped in the bud, as it was a couple of years ago, it may not escalate."

The call comes after police promised to step up cover during the weekend.

PC Geoff Whiter, Wickford police's community liaison officer, said they would be increasing the number of officers around and liaising with Basildon Council with a view to using the CCTV system.

Police were surprised by the sudden increase in crime in the area.

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