Vandals were today being hunted after leaving a trail of destruction across Pitsea.
Thousands of pounds of damage was caused to cars and properties, while valuables including cash, radios and bicycles were looted.
One shocked councillor declared today: "Pitsea is becoming like the Bronx."
Sgt Andy Weeks, at Pitsea police station, said the wave of damage was unusual. He added: "At this stage we have nothing to link all these incidents. The fact the incidents are spread out across Pitsea suggests they aren't all linked.
"We have no idea why we've had such a high volume of incidents at the weekend."
Pitsea North councillor Keith Bobbin, of Rokescroft, Pitsea, said: "It is deplorable. What are normal everyday citizens going to think about this? It is terrifying."
Published Tuesday June 29, 2004
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