Police are searching for vandals who caused thousands of pounds of ‘mindless damage’ to parked cars.

There were 12 cases of criminal damage to vehicles in Monkswood Avenue, Waltham Abbey, and the surrounding area, with £6,200 of damage reported on the weekend of February 14.

At one address, a swear word, believed to be 'f---', was scratched on the bonnet of a gold Volvo, causing £1,000 in damage.

The culprits are said to have used a sharp implement to scrape the bonnet of a green Daihatsu Sirian, causing damage valued at £1,500.

The police advised people to keep their cars in busy, well lit areas, as the criminal spree spread to Quendon Drive, where a white Audi TT wing mirror was taken off and Winchester Close where a black Ford Focus was damaged.

PC Martin Carroll said: "These vandals have caused thousands of pounds of mindless damage to vehicles, causing inconvenience and expense for the vehicle owners.

"I would urge anyone with information to contact police on 101.

"Motorists can help keep their vehicles safe by parking somewhere busy and well lit with good surveillance."