THIEVES stole Diamond Jubilee bunting just hours after it was put up.
Around 30 metres of bunting was taken from Ongar High Street some time between 5pm yesterday evening and 9am this morning (Saturday).
The decorations were only put up yesterday.
Chairwoman of Ongar Town Council, Diana Roberts, said: "This is an utterly mindless act of vandalism.
"The bunting was put up by volunteers for everybody to enjoy.
"It really was lovely and I'm very upset to hear this has happened."
The bunting was paid for by the Town Council and the Ongar Forum.
Police say they are examining CCTV pictures to see if any footage of the theft has been captured.
Anyone with any information on the incident is asked to call 101.
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