Speed measuring equipment used to improve safety outside a primary school was stolen less than 24 hours after being installed.

The radar box, which collects data on traffic volume, speed, and direction, was chained to a lamp post near Prince Avenue Primary School, in Hornby Avenue, Westcliff, following complaints from residents about the number of cars racing down the road.

When a Southend Council road safety officer went to collect the date on Thursday, he found the device had been stolen.

Residents told him the box, which was installed on Wednesday, October 14, was there for less than 24 hours.

Martin Terry, Independent councillor responsible for transport, said: "It is disappointing to hear that the box was removed within 24 hours of being put up, as despite its modest value, this is still a piece of equipment paid for by the local taxpayer.

“These boxes are not speed cameras or used for enforcement, they just measure traffic volume, speed and direction, and can be used to monitor traffic flow and to inform future highways improvements.

“In this particular instance it was being used to monitor traffic outside a school with the view of improving safety for the children travelling to and from school.”

As a result of the theft, council officers are now considering whether or not to put a radar box in the area again.

Carol Hart, 69, of Hornby Avenue, believes speeds need to be monitored to prevent accidents.

She said: “We definitely need the box here, and I don’t know what they’ve achieved by stealing it.

“People come down here like a bat out of hell off the A127 but there’s a school here. It only takes a little kid to step out into the road while they’re coming down to get run over.

“We have actually had kids knocked over here before."

Steve Buckley, Tory councillor for St Laurence ward, added: “We are looking at what we can do down there now and we would urge the council to put another box back because of residents’ concerns in that area.”

The equipment is believed to have been stolen between 2.30pm on Wednesday, October 14, and midday on Thursday, October 15.

Anyone with information can call Essex Police on 101.