A VANDAL gouged deep scratches into scores of parked cars in a crime spree across Frinton and Walton.

So far 39 cases of criminal damage have been reported by furious drivers after they discovered the scratches on their vehicles.

The mass of incidents are thought to have been caused by a single person in a lengthy late-night rampage.

Cars were damaged in Green Lane, Woodberry Way, Crescent Road, Hall Lane, New Pier Street and The Parade in Walton, as well as Rainham Way and Pole Barn Lane in Frinton.

Police say the attack caused significant damage to a lot of the cars.

It happened overnight between November 24 and 25.

Police say the damage adds up to a minimum of £20,000.

Walton sergeant Pete Gerard said: “I am appalled at the level of damage that was caused by the offender.

“Rarely in my service have I experienced this level of crime being committed in one area in one night.

“The whole community has been affected by this crime.

“These crimes were mindless and I just cannot understand the reason behind committing them. Thankfully this level of damage is unprecedented locally.”

Sergeant Gerard says officers are exploring every avenue to catch the culprit.

They have released a CCTV image in a bid to identify the man.

Anyone with information has been urged to call PC Ian Rutherford on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.