A MOTHER is calling on families to be vigilant after a spate of car thefts in the area.

Svetlana Wright, of Lorne Gardens, claims Wanstead and Snaresbrook have become hotspots for people breaking into cars and stealing them.

The 46-year-old says the area is being increasingly targeted because thieves know it is fairly affluent, there are a lot of families with more than one car, and they have a quick getaway route via the M11 or A406.

She said: “It’s happening nearly every week now – it’s shocking.

“When I posted on Facebook about it recently I was bombarded with messages from people saying it had happened to them.

“They’re very scared and upset.”

She added: “Everyone around here works very hard to have nice things and to get the best for their children and these people just want to take that away from us.”

Mrs Wright’s neighbour Sanam Ebrahim had an iPod stolen when her car was broken into in the middle of the night last week (June 22).

The mum-of-two also claims her home and contents insurance doubled when she moved to Wanstead two years ago, which she believes is down to its “high crime rate”.

The 37-year-old said: “It’s not nice at all. The number of people who have been targeted is scary.

“It’s so bad we’ve even considered raising enough money to be able to employ someone to keep watch at night.”

Both mothers are calling for an increased police presence in the area, with more PCSOs, car, and foot patrols, as well as urging neighbours to be more careful when it comes to security.

Mrs Wright said: “People have car alarms and CCTV, but they’re obviously not working.

“People would feel safer if there was more police in the area and we had better access to police stations.

“We need to raise awareness of what’s happening so people don’t leave their cars unlocked or leave expensive things inside.

“Wanstead is a lovely place to live, but we need to look after each other and look out for our neighbours.”

A 20-year-old man was arrested and charged with theft by vehicle interference in Stanstead Road, Wanstead, on June 22.

The Metropolitan Police have been contacted for further comment.