BURGLARS ripped the doors off eight beach huts, causing more than £2,000 damage.

The late-night attack was carried out on huts opposite Maplin Way, Thorpe Bay, leaving owners devastated.

However, the crooks only stole a pair of binoculars.

John Clarke, from the beach hut association, discovered the damage at 9am on Thursday, but said there had not been much inside to steal.

He said: “Some of the huts I looked into had their summer stuff there, wind breakers and chairs, but nothing was touched.

“The burglars searched them. I can’t make out what they were looking for. We certainly will be taking steps to prevent future occurances.”

Mr Clarke said there were night-time patrols carried out in the area to catch burglars who try to break in.

He added: “Some of the owners live in different parts of the country. They turn up for the summer to find their hut has been damaged. Then they can’t have a day there. It’s very sad.”

PCSO Tracey Tremain said: “We’ve had all our scenes of crime officers there.

“We’re just going to pay greater attention to the area now we are aware of this in case there’s a repeat of this.”