Rampaging yobs are causing havoc in Billericay, spitting at shoppers, dragging a trailer into a lake, smashing windows and stealing property.

Police are stepping up patrols and warning vandals there will be an increase in high-visiblity officers staking out hot-spots.

A children's play area behind Tavistock Road in Queens Park has been forced to close until further notice.

The council-run site has been plagued by youths breaking bottles, throwing stones and digging up equipment.

One resident, Paul Dawson, said: "They have spent some nights sitting on the fence throwing stones through the windows of the nursing home next door. It seems they have nothing better to do."

At Lake Meadows, two large front windows in the parks cafe have been broken, leaving the shop owner distraught.

A council trailer, used by staff to transport equipment, was also discovered dumped in the lake and had to be towed out.

PC Kevin Hopton, of Billericay police, said the situation seems to have all got a lot worse since the school holidays started.

In South Green, yobs have targeted shoppers, threatening them with abusive language.

PC Hopton said: "There have also been problems with people being spat at. We are stepping up our patrols to deal with all these problems and to target each area.

"Drink seems to be at the root of it. These are mostly decent kids who become a different sort of animal after taking in some alcohol."

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