CALLS have been made for police to ramp up their patrols to help a village being targeted by criminals.

Rowhedge has been the focus of a number of police investigations in recent weeks including car thefts and anti-social behaviour.

On Thursday, Essex Police stated it is investigating two people “wearing dark clothes and balaclavas” acting suspiciously in the village.

And last Tuesday the force launched a probe into vehicles being damaged by a duo in hoodies in Head Street, Rowhedge.

Rowhedge councillor Lee Scordis has now called on police to ramp up their patrols and get a grip of what he believes is a worsening issue.

Gazette: Probe - Essex Police is hunting these two individuals in relation to car damage in Head Street, RowhedgeProbe - Essex Police is hunting these two individuals in relation to car damage in Head Street, Rowhedge

Mr Scordis said: “There has been a recent spate of vehicle thefts in the village as well as low level anti-social behaviour, so I’m really looking for more police patrols to tackle it.

“Clearly there are people targeting the area, taking the opportunity to commit crime and there are clearly people keeping an eye on residents’ movements and targeting their vehicles.

“I’m not going to pretend Rowhedge is a hot bed of crime, but it is certainly the target of criminal activity at the moment.

“Of course I am [concerned], everyone works hard during the day to be able to afford nice things, they never want to see their possessions get stolen.”

Gazette: Concerned - Lee ScordisConcerned - Lee Scordis

In March, Rowhedge’s allotments were vandalised three times when delinquents graffitied on shacks and ripped down sheds.

The Gazette understands further anti-social behaviour also took place on Sunday evening when three youngsters on bikes travelled down Rectory Road into the village centre and troubled motorists.

One resident reported seeing the same trio at the Berechurch Hall Road and Mersea Road junction riding “all over” the pavement and holding up oncoming traffic with their antics.

Gazette: Damage - a shed vandalised in Rowhedge allotmentsDamage - a shed vandalised in Rowhedge allotments

He added anyone who challenged the youngsters were met with a tirade of “foul abuse”.

Essex Police says anyone with any information regarding crime or anti-social behaviour in Rowhedge should submit a report online at www.essex.police.uk.

Alternatively, the force can be called on 101 or an anonymous report can be recorded through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.