A HAVE-a-go hero had a knife pulled on him as he tried to stop yobs smashing car windows.

The victim is one of a number of residents turned patrollers who are trying to stop the car damage spree in south Essex.

Officers from Essex Police have warned of the dangers, but residents are furious after dozens of cars have been damaged.

Gavin New Burton, 43, from Southend, is one of four who have decided to patrol the Westcliff and Southend area searching for thieves.

He said: “Myself and my colleagues are sick of nothing being done. We want people to see that we do care and are willing to take time out from our family life to try and discourage these thieves and drug dealers operating at night. I am also concerned about public safety.

“We are not a vigilante group. We all have our communities’ interests at heart. We went looking for these thieving scumbags that feel it’s okay to break into people’s vehicles and help themselves to their property.

“If anyone spots anything and would like our help, then message me on Facebook and we will promptly attend.”

On Friday another resident chased away a vandal smashing his neighbour’s car window, but was then threatened with a knife.

Kelvin Cuffy, 32, from Westcliff, said: “I heard a massive smash so I went out and saw a guy on his bike who was smashing the window try to get away.

“I restrained him and he pulled a knife out on me.

“There has been a spate of incidents. I said to the police if they don’t do something, people will start taking matters into their own hands.”

Insp Ian Hughes, from Essex Police, insisted much is being done.

He said: “We are working tirelessly to address the spike in theft from motor vehicles.

“I understand this has caused the public a lot of frustration, and some people feel the need to take matters into their own hands. I strongly request people do not do this as it could potentially put people in danger and distracts police away from what they should be focusing on.”

Two people were arrested at the weekend on suspicion of a number of thefts from vehicles.

Insp Hughes said: “I am confident we will see a large reduction in reported offences moving forward.”

Officers are investigating the incident involving the knife at 4.19am. Anyone with information should call the force on 101.