Four vehicles are targeted by criminals every day in the Tendring district, new figures have revealed.

The East Anglian Daily Times can today name the worst hotspots for vehicle crime across Tendring’s 35 wards over the past three years.

The statistics, from a Freedom of Information request to Essex police, reveal that a total of 4,208 vehicle crimes were committed in the district between 2010 and 2012.

Drivers who park in Alton Park ward are more likely to have their vehicle targeted by criminals than in any other ward with 312 crimes reported to Essex police.

Crimes included 171 incidents of criminal damage, 87 thefts from motor vehicles, 40 thefts of motor vehicles, eight incidents of interference with a motor vehicle and six unauthorised taking of motor vehicles.

Delia Aldis, ward councillor for Alton Park, said the ward is primarily home to an older population

“The figures surprise me that Alton Park should be any higher than other wards in the area,” she added.

“I would like to think the police would be looking into the reason why vehicle crime is so high here.

“One would expect Pier ward to be higher because it’s the centre of town with a lot more people heading into Pier ward.

“There’s nothing in Alton Park for people to come to with the exception of travelling through to schools.”

Second in the table was Pier ward with 295 crimes followed by Rush Green with 244 offences

An Essex police spokesman said: “Police in Tendring review vehicle crimes on a daily basis.

“Where ‘hotspots’ are identified officers are tasked with specific daily patrol plans to deter offences and interact with people who may be suspected of being into in such offences.

“The majority of private car offences are conducted by opportunists who will still strike if cars are unlocked or possessions are left on display.”

The top three worst places for theft of cars are Alton Park with 40 followed by Pier and Rush Green with 30 each.

The wards with the lowest numbers of vehicle crimes in Tendring are Great and Little Oakley with 15, Alresford with 24 and Homelands on 29.

Although there were 4,208 vehicle crimes over the last three years, it is on the decrease with 553 fewer reported incidents across the district in 2012 compared to last year. There were 1,427 vehicle crimes reported in 2010.