Car dealerships are being targeted by criminal gangs in “Wild West” Witham since “the sheriffs left town”, it is claimed.

Markham & Smith, Glovers Motors and Kerry Motors, all in Newland Street have been burgled at least eight times between them this year.

The owners have blamed a lack of police presence since the station closed in March last year and told the Times officers are not interested.

On Thursday, August 17, two cars were stolen including one from a forecourt and one belonging to a customer.

Jason Tarling, owner of car dealership Markham & Smith, said: “There is not enough police presence in the town anymore.

“We are getting rather frustrated, it’s not the first time.

“We had a Ford Transit, which was for sale, stolen about two months ago.

“It was very well organised, they have got to be watching the place to know when to do it.

“I personally think it has a lot to do with the police station closing, the rate of crime has gone through the roof here.”

A white Ford Fiesta with the number plate GK12 BCO was taken from the garage at about 4am and a customer’s white BMW was taken from Glovers Motors shortly before 7am.

The thief used a wire to take keys from both premises.

Business owners believe the same man is responsible and can be seen on CCTV shared with The Times. John Rablin, manag- er of Glovers Motors, said: “The car was dropped off at 6am, between then and 6.58am he came and fished the keys out with a wire and jumped in the car after he found which one flashed.

“We have had numerous break-ins and we don’t even bother calling the police anymore. There is no police here and there is no interest.

“It’s like the Wild West around here now. There’s so much going on it’s ridiculous.”

Fellow businessman Roy Franks, who owns Kerry Motors, has been broken into at least three times.

Mr Franks has also criticised police after vehicles were stolen and the dealership ransacked.

He said: “There is no police presence. Four months ago and six months ago we had vehicles stolen and no police came out. We have been burgled here three times.

“I might as well leave my doors open, they would do less damage.

“The police can’t be on call 24/7 outside your premises but there doesn’t seem to be any presence at all.”

A spokesman for Essex Police confirmed a report had been received about the stolen Ford Fiesta and enquiries are ongoing. Call Braintree police station on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.