FURIOUS residents have condemned the yobs who went on a wrecking spree in their neighbourhood.

The windows of several cars were smashed in Swan Lane, Egbert Gardens and Locarno Avenue, Wickford, in the early hours of Friday October 13 and Sunday October 15. Residents said up to 13 cars were targeted.

Hatti Sykes, 30, from Egbert Gardens, who works as a pastry chef, was outraged by the mindless vandalism.

She said: “My partner’s car was damaged. Thankfully, nothing was taken but it’s just disgraceful that people go out of their way to cause distress to others. It’s very sad.

“Egbert Gardens is generally a safe area. It’s a quiet street, half elderly retired couples, mostly involved with the church. And lots of middle-aged families with children.

“We think a sling shot was used as we found decorative garden type stones in the car amongst the glass, and we thought we heard a van around 1am. We thought nothing of it as quite a few of the residents work as tradesmen so they all have vans, and get call outs at all sorts of times.

“I hope it won’t happen to anybody else. Hopefully police catch the culprits soon.”

Another resident, who lives in Carlton Road, who asked not to be named, said: “My family and I have lived in this area for 20 years and never had anything like this happening.

“It is just very sad that their short moment of fun has caused people a lot of grief.”

An Essex Police spokesman said: “Police are appealing for information after six vehicles had their windows smashed. Officers received five reports on the morning of Friday, October 13, with people reporting they had suffered criminal damage overnight in Swan Lane and Egbert Gardens.

“Police then received a call at 11.10pm on Sunday, October 15 after a victim reported the occupants of a vehicle smashed a car window in Locarno Avenue before driving off.

“Officers have carried out further house to house enquiries on Monday and will be reviewing CCTV in the area.

“Anyone with information, CCTV or dashcam footage is asked to call Chelmsford police station quoting on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.