The mini crimewave which seems to have broken out in Halstead this summer is alarming.

Businesses should not have to put up with vandalism, violence and petty crime – they have no place in our town.

Halstead’s High Street is unique and something we should be rightly proud of – thanks in no small part to the town’s In Bloom team of volunteers.

We don’t want to spoil this with the sight of boarded-up shop windows because of mindless vandalism.

This sudden spate of crime must not be allowed to drag our town down.