TWO teens have been arrested as part of a police crackdown in Halstead following a spate of vandalism.

Police have confirmed officers arrested two boys under the age of 18 while on patrol yesterday morning.

In the early hours of Monday, December 5, police were called to a shop in Halstead after reports two people were attempting to break in

Officers were quickly on the scene whilst the pair were still there, however seeing after seeing the police, they fled the scene with officers chasing them up the High Street but weren't caught.

During the course of the investigation, two people involved were identified and arrested on suspicion of attempted burglary and other offences yesterday morning, Tuesday, December 6.

The two people have since been released on police bail with conditions whilst the investigation continues.

A spokesman said: "If you have any more information that may assist officers, please contact us via essex.police.uk/contact using the reference 42/293994/22."

Three youths were also stopped at the weekend, as the force carried out extra patrols in the town.

A spokesman said: “Our Community Policing Team have been carrying out extra patrols in Halstead following increased levels of poor behaviour and lower-level criminality including anti-social behaviour.

“We are continuing to work with our partners including the local council to reduce these crimes and continue to encourage residents to report anti-social behaviour to us.”

Police also warned they will be stopping youths who are out at night without parental supervision.

A spokesman said: “Following a series of criminal damages and reports of anti-social behaviour in Halstead, young people that are seen out unaccompanied late at night might be asked what they are doing, this may well lead to people being searched if appropriate.

“If this happens, we will be calling parents to make sure they know where their children are and who they are with.

“On Saturday night three people found in an area that was pointed out to officers as connected to drugs were searched and their appropriate adults were contacted.”

The crackdown comes following a tyre-slashing spree across the town and a window being damaged.

Police said they had received 14 reports of vandalism from from locations across Halstead, including Kings Road, Tidings Hill, Ronald Road and Lock Road.

There was also a report of a window being vandalised at a property on Tweed Close, which police say they believe is connected.

All the offences are believed to have taken place between 10pm on Saturday, November 26, and 1am Sunday, November 27.