A gang of MASKED armed with iron bars violently threatened a man on his doorstep when they tried to steal a catalytic converter from his car.
Police were called after the attack on Highlands Road, Bowers Gifford, around 9:30 p.m. on Saturday.
The group of five tried to steal the catalyst from the victim’s car, but when he opened his front door, the armed gang threatened him.
It was reported on social media that victims of the attack “couldn’t sleep all night” and were “frightened for their lives” because they feared they would be seriously injured if intervened.
Property damage occurred to the victim’s car, but nothing was taken away.
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Basildon Council Chairman Andrew Baggott said, “We are a law abiding community and in that regard we have no tolerance for people who think they don’t and want to take these types of action.
“We want people to be aware of this and remain vigilant.
“I would encourage people to call the police when they see something, but not to try, to try it themselves. We support the police in their investigations.
“I wish the police every success in arresting the criminals and hope that the judiciary will support them.
The horrific attack comes as numbers show that catalytic converter thefts have increased more than 100 percent in one year.
Data from 25 law enforcement agencies in England, Wales and Northern Ireland collected by the consumer protection agency What? showed that thefts rose 104 percent between 2019 and 2020.
An Essex Police Department spokesman called witnesses to report.
They said, “We are investigating an incident in which a man was threatened by a group of people who we believe tried to steal the catalytic converter from his car.
“Our inquiries are ongoing and if you’ve seen anything or have video footage from video surveillance, dashcam or doorbell, you need to contact us.”
Witnesses with information can file a report online through www.essex.police.uk or use the Live Chat button to speak to an online operator between 7am and 11pm.
Provide crime reference number 42/117941/21.
You can also contact the police on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.