TWO people have been arrested after yobs used a catapult to damage a large number of car and house windows.

A 15-year-old and an 18-year-old, both from Billericay, were arrested yesterday on suspicion of criminal damage and theft of a motor vehicle.

The Echo told last week how dozens of cars and houses had been damaged on Thursday evening, in Billericay and Wickford.

The arrests come after extra officers were drafted in over the weekend to carry out targeted patrols.

Victims were unhappy with Essex Police’s response to the chaos.

Sophie Lowe, 22, whose house and car were damaged in Billericay, told the Echo Essex Police have not handled the problem well at all. She said: “We were told the investigation would be closed and nothing will come of it. They haven’t been helpful.”

Essex Police denied earlier yesterday morning the investigation had closed.

Another resident added: “To be told on the phone that an officer probably won’t attend your address is very disheartening.

“To top it off, they missed off Wickford in their social media appeal about it last week.

“I’ve been in contact with councillors and Essex Police in trying to organise a police meeting with officers and residents.

“This isn’t just for last week’s incident but for crime in the area in general.

“We’re trying to finalise a date.

“It will be advertised on Facebook and through leaflets.”

Essex Police have defended their actions and response.

A spokesman for Essex Police, said: “We received a number of calls that house and car windows had been damaged in the Beams Way, Mill Road and Crays Hill areas between 10.20pm and 10.50pm on Thursday, October 3.

“A young man and a teenager were arrested in Laurel Avenue, Wickford, yesterday afternoon, Monday, October 7. They remain in custody for questioning.

“Our investigation into Thursday’s incidents is still ongoing and we are continuing to make CCTV enquiries and speak to witnesses.

“Anyone with information is asked to call us on 101 quoting incident 1137 of October 3.”