POLICE are stepping up undercover seafront patrols after four beach huts were burgled and trashed.

The vandals smashed their way into the huts in Thorpe Esplanade, opposite the junction of Maplin Way, Thorpe Bay.

They fled after causing hundreds of pounds worth of damage.

Police officials have vowed to mount extra morning and evening patrols.

They are also working with Ron Woodley, security manager of the beach hut association, to produce leaflets for all 350 owners offering new security alarms to protect their properties.

Mr Woodley said: “It’s worrying.

“Break-ins and vandalism happen more in the summer so we have got our heads together.

“The days are longer so the beach huts are more vulnerable.

“This is the first time we have done something like this. We want to make sure that it does not happen again.

“I will be leafleting the beach huts this weekend and finding out if people want an alarm.”

PC Warren Lamb promised police would do all they can to catch those responsible.

He said: “Very little has been reported stolen as people do not usually store much in their hut. The problem is more the damage caused.

“We urge all beach hut owners to check the locks and any other security on their huts.”

Anyone with any information about the break-ins, which happened overnight last weekend, should call 0300 3334444.