Residents call for more policing (From East London and West Essex Guardian Series)

Residents call for more policing

7:30pm Tuesday 16th March 2010 in

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VILLAGERS blighted by a recent spate of burglaries have called for more policing.

It is understood Thornwood, near Epping, has suffered at least four burglaries in a month leaving residents concerned for the safety of their homes.

Householders we spoke to were reluctant to give their names. One said: “The first one was about four weeks ago, and I know someone who was done last week. They put the glass patio doors through- it was very serious.

“Everyone's really paranoid round here. Everyone's getting alarms fitted. I'd like to see more police patrols. If we've got a big problem they should get horses in. It's high-visibility policing and reassurance. People feel very unsafe at the moment.”

Another said: “There's been a hell of a lot round here. It's very shocking and everyone's on edge. One house they broke into here they broke all the guy's security lights. I've lived here all my life and I've never seen it the way things are going.”

Officers have now agreed to meet with residents and Essex Police's neighbourhood watch coordinator Colin Freeman has also become involved.

He said: “We are trying to reassure the residents by pushing neighbourhood watch which helps us and helps them. I would encourage people to support us because neighbourhood watch is a marvellous tool against crime.”