CARS have been broken into and damaged in a vandalism spree.

A number of cars were targeted in the Dovercourt area including one belonging to Gemma Potter, of Gordon Way, Dovercourt.

Gemma, 38, said her car was parked on her driveway when thieves broke in and stole an iPod.

Gemma said the car was “ransacked”. She said: “Papers were everywhere and all compartments were open.

“They took my daughter’s iPod but thankfully we didn’t have anything else of value in the car.

“I’m so upset as my daughter doesn’t travel well, and the music is all which keeps her from crying.

“It’s horrible to think some members of the community behave like this, not just stealing, but going against all guidelines to stay home to keep everyone safe.”

Another victim was Phil Burtsal, 32, of Rebow Road, Dovercourt.

Braintree and Witham Times: Victim - Phil Burtsal and his dogVictim - Phil Burtsal and his dog

He said thieves forced their way into his car and “went through everything”.

The site manager at the Harwich and Dovercourt High School, said crooks went through his glove box, the boot and even under the seats.

He said: “They only managed to find and take half a bottle of alcohol and also three pairs of new bright yellow builder’s gloves.

“As a key worker at the school, this is extremely frustrating, knowing someone’s been in my car in the current lockdown situation.

“I had to disinfect my car before I could use it again, which meant I couldn’t use it for my shift in the morning.”

Mr Burtsal believes the break in happened between 8pm on Sunday and 7am on Monday.

Susan Coleman, who runs Snakey Sue’s Live Snake Encounters and Sanctuary, said she discovered someone had stolen the catalytic converter from her car on Monday.

Braintree and Witham Times: Snaky - Susan Coleman said thieves stole the catalytic converter Snaky - Susan Coleman said thieves stole the catalytic converter

The 71-year-old, of Alexandra Road, Harwich, said she and her husband have been only using the car once a week to go shopping.

“We hadn’t started it for more than a week and when we started it, it made the most horrific noise,” she said.

“The car is ten-years-old so probably would be scrapped if I go through my insurance.

“When things go back to normal, I’ll need my car to create finances for the snake sanctuary and my husband is a musician, so he will need it too.”

Call Essex Police on 101.