HALSTEAD residents were left frustrated at the lack of street lighting after a number of vans were broken into overnight.

A minimum Four vans were broken into- two were targeted in White Horse Avenue, and another two in New Street.

Thieves got inside a white Ford Transit in White Horse Avenue and ransacked it, taking power tools with them.

Another blue Ford Transit was searched in the same road and unknown items were taken.

In the same night thieves used a crow bar to open a van in New Street and stole hundreds of pounds worth of power tools.

Another white Ford Transit was broken into and ransacked, it is not known what was taken at this time.

All the thefts happened overnight between June 15 and 16.

Paul Nunn, from New Street, had tools stolen from his van on the Wednesday night.

He said: "I had my van done along with four others last Wednesday night between 12.30am and 4am.

"There were no street lights so it was pitch black, the van was parked directly in front of my house.

"I lost just over £1,000 worth of tools and there is damage to my van, I'm very annoyed about lack of policing and street lighting."

Andrew Winterton, another resident, was targeted on the same night.

He said: "They tried to get in my Grand Cherokee causing £350 of damage.

"They nearly pulled the passenger door handle off, I'm just glad that they never got in.

"It's bad that people think they can take others' personal property and think it's ok, with no remorse or care of others.

"They are hard earned items."

Police are aware of the thefts and ask anyone with information to contact Braintree Police on 101.