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Yobs run riot - family homes attacked
FAMILIES have had their doors kicked in and windows smashed by a gang of yobs rampaging through Camden Town.
Up to 10 teenage thugs are terrorising quiet residential streets off Chalk Farm Road, including Harmood Street, Hartland Road and Clarence Way.
Stephan Janes, chairman of the Harmood Street, Hartland Road and Clarence Way Residents' Association, who had a brick thrown through his window earlier this month, said: "It has been going on for a while but it has got worse lately and is getting out of hand. The brick caused considerable damage to our home and we can't go on like this.
"We have burglars kicking down people's doors and we feel we need more policing and CCTV in the area - but we have been told that CCTV may be inappropriate.
"We also have people running over our cars and scratching them with keys as well as using our front gardens as toilets."
One man, who was sitting down to dinner with his family when a beer bottle smashed through his window on Saturday, said: "I went out immediately to be confronted by a group of around eight young men.
"It's all very annoying and deeply frustrating. The police came quickly but they moved off as a group. The police are limited in what they can do as they need evidence upon which they can base an arrest. And, even upon making an arrest and conviction, the penalties for throwing bottles through a window will not take them off the street."
Residents are now calling for police to step up patrols in the area and want CCTV installed to help catch the teenagers responsible for the destruction.
Another resident, who has had their front door kicked in twice in attempted burglaries, said: "It is hard to know what to do as we all know pretty much who these kids are, but without the support of the police I don't think there is much we can legally do.
"It is a sorry state of affairs but sadly what living in Camden has become in recent years."
Police Constable Andrew Maxwell said: "We are aware of two recent incidents of criminal damage in Harmood Street and are going to be doing a walk through the area on Wednesday with the Gospel Oak anti-social behaviour co-ordinator. Patrols will start at 6.45pm and we will also be patrolling over the weekend."
Anyone with any problems is asked to call Haverstock Safer Neighbourhoods Team on 020 8721 2016.
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