BEACH hut owners are being warned to hide their key boxes after a number of huts on Walton seafront were damaged.

It is understood that at least four beach huts in Southcliff Promenade were targeted earlier this week.

The Beach Hut Owners Association of Walton has now issued a warning to hut owners following fears that key boxes were targeted.

A spokesman said: "Unfortunately there was damage to several huts at Southcliff.

"In particular, key boxes were targeted.

"Some were popped open easily, others were ripped off, some keys were taken.

"Several huts were entered, but fortunately not too much damage was sustained."

It is not yet known what was taken, but it is understood that the owners of affected huts have been contacted.

The spokesman added: "If you have to use key boxes, try to locate them where they are hidden from plain sight as much as possible and consider bolting them into framework rather than relying on screws.

"Buy the best quality box you can - generally the Master boxes appear to be the most robust."

Anyone who's hut has been affected is asked to report the damage as criminal damage to Essex Police via 101 or the online reporting form.

"This enables the police to see that the beach huts have become a crime hotspot and will help them to be able to use resources to check on the huts," they added.