YOBS slashed the tyres of 34 cars in Vange and Pitsea.

The cars were hit between Sunday night and Monday morning and the damage totals more than £2,000.

The roads hit included Alcotes, Sandon Road, Lindsell Green, Collingwood Road, Maplin Gardens, Linsell Lane and Lambourne Green.

*Full story in Wednesday's Echo In the worst incident, in Beech Road, a Vauxhall Vivaro had three tyres slashed, causing £450 damage.

Basildon district commander, A/Chief Insp Richard Sage, said: "This is an extensive amount of damage that has been caused by mindless vandals. Not only has this created a lot of hassle for 18 people, but will also cost them a lot to get fixed and sort out with insurance companies, which is something that no-one needs in the run up to Christmas.

"My officers have been actively patrolling the area, and will continue to do so to prevent any more incidents. They have also been dropping letters in the area to ask anyone with any information to contact us. Please, if you saw anything suspicious Sunday night, or if you know who is responsible, please call us so we can make sure justice is served for these victims.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Basildon East neighbourhood policing team on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.