Police have agreed to step up patrols in a secluded area where a sports club was recently targeted by burglars. 

Members of West Essex Sports Club, off Hickman Avenue in Rolls Park, Highams Park, called for increased police presence in the area after their clubhouse was broken into last Sunday (April 12). 

Thousands of pounds worth of damage was caused as thieves smashed their way through metal grills and padlocked rooms. 

Founded in 1921, the community club, which has more than 200 members involved in the cricket and football teams, had over £400 worth of alcohol and £300 cash stolen.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

West Essex Sports Club members angered by club break-in 

Club chairman Simon Roberson and treasurer Jo Kent criticised the police and Waltham Forest Council, which owns the land, for not doing enough to deter anti-social behaviour in the area.

Mr Roberson suggested the area, located at the back of Aldriche Way estate, was being used to carry out drug dealing until the council cut back the hedges and bushes. 

Larskwood safer neighbourhood team (SNT) have promised to increase their presence in the area. 

A met spokeswoman, said: "Officers regularly patrol the area and welcome the fact that this has been flagged up as an issue of concern. 

"We will continue to work with the local community and would urge local residents to contact us directly if they have any concerns or when offences are being committed.

"We will increase our patrols in the area and residents are welcome to come along to our street briefings and tell us their concerns."

Mrs Kent, of Ropers Avenue, Highams Park, said she looks forward to working with the police. 

"Police are definitely aware of the issues yet we have never been approached by community police and I've never ever seen officers on foot," the mother-of-two said.  

"It is such a secluded, quiet area so we welcome any action by the police to make it safer. Agreeing to step up patrols in brilliant news".  

The next Larskwood SNT street briefing will take place at Thurlow Close, Chingford at 8.30pm on Thursday (April 23).  

No arrests have been made in connection with the burglary.