MINDLESS vandals damaged beach huts, caravans and cars in a weekend wrecking spree around Dovercourt.

It is believed about ten caravans, 15 beach huts and about 14 cars were damaged - or had items stolen from inside - between Friday and Monday.

Police received reports of wing mirrors being damaged on four cars parked in Main Road, Maple Close, and Rowan Close during that time.

Brandon Carter, 19, of Pelham Close, Dovercourt, was a victim of the crime spate who had sentimental items stolen from his car.

He said: "When I woke up on Monday I was stunned to see my boot jarred open and the interior stripped down to the wires.

"It was clear someone had a rummage.

"After looking into it further I noticed several trophies and a cricket bat were taken.

"But the most upsetting thing to be taken was an envelope containing photos of my dad who passed away when I was three years old.

"These are memories I can't get back.

"I don't know whether to feel angry at those who have done this or upset knowing the little I had left of my dad had been minimised further."

Brandon said the items were in the car from a talk about his motivations he'd recently held at work.

Amy Blee Westall, 27, from Dovercourt, said her beach hut was vandalised on Saturday night - it was one of about 15 damaged near West End Lane.

She said: "We believe they’re just youths who are bored and have nothing better to do.

"It’s not good enough and the parents should have more control of their children in the early hours of the morning."

Chris Mudd, 37 from Harwich, said his wing mirrors were knocked off his car parked in Main Road.

Another resident, who asked to remain anonymous, said about ten caravans had their windows smashed at Dovercourt Holiday Park, in Low Road.

Alison Richardson, who heard about the crime spree through Facebook, said: "Unfortunately it seems to be another spate of crime.

"It’s heartbreaking for those who own the beach huts and car that seemed to have been the target this time."

Tendring Community Policing Team Inspector Darren Deex, said: "Unfortunately this would appear to be mindless vandalism.

"Naturally I would encourage victims of crime to report offences to us either via 101 or via our Do It Online service.

"If any members of the community have any information in relation to these offences and who might be responsible then I would urge them to let us know, either using the above contacts or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."

A Dovercourt Holiday Park spokesman said: "Park Holidays UK will be giving every assistance possible to the police in their investigation of an incident of vandalism at Dovercourt Holiday Park during the weekend.

"The owners of the caravan holiday homes involved have been contacted by the park's management."