Police are tackling a spate of motor vehicle attacks that occurred in broad daylight around Cornthwaite Road in Leabridge.
A CCTV camera has been moved to Cornthwaite Road from nearby Linscott Road, while there has been a surge in police patrols.
Sergeant Louise Gill of the Leabridge Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) told Leabridge Ward forum: “We are using untold amounts of resources.”
Police said they are targeting “somebody locally” who is known to the police and recently came out of custody, although they also realise that he is “not solely responsible for crime in E5.”
According to figures released by the Metropolitan Police in October there were five thefts of motor vehicles and 15 thefts from motor vehicles in Leabridge.
Road safety campaigns which have closed off streets have made it easier for criminals as there is no passing traffic. Leafy trees also help hide thefts; arrangements have now been made to have the lower branches removed to improve security.
Residents at Leabridge Ward forum were concerned that insurance rates would “go through the roof” as a result of the crime spike.
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