HOODLUMS rampaged alongside a park smashing car windows as they went.

Residents in Recreation Road, and nearby Port Lane in Colchester woke to find their cars and vans damaged by mindless yobs on Monday morning.

Police confirmed within hours they had received six different reports of cars damaged in just one road.

However one victim, who had two cars damaged, was very sceptical of anyone being caught since the lights were turned off.

Builder Barry Howe said: “We had seven or eight done along Recreation Road and more in Port Lane.

“Police said they couldn’t do anything without CCTV but what good is it when it is dark outside.

“So I either have to pay £300 to install CCTV which I should not have to do or £4,000 to install a driveway because it seems I cannot park outside my house.”

He claims crime is increasing since the lights went off and agreed with sources close to the police who claimed it is also becoming far more difficult to catch those responsible for crime at night.

Another neighbour claimed criminals are being given the opportunity to get away with crime because nobody can see them and there are not enough police left to investigate after the crimes either.

Damaged vehicles include a white Vauxhall Combo van, a white Mercedes Benz van, a white Citroen Relay van a silver Citroen dispatch, a grey Saab and a pink Peugeot.

Anyone with information call Colchester police on 101.