Neighbours are crying out for help from police following a spate of burglaries which left them fearing for their safety.

Neighbours are crying out for help from police following a spate of burglaries which left them fearing for their safety.

Frightened residents living in the Leftley and Faircross estates have even started patrolling when it gets dark to deter gangs of hooded youths prowling their streets.

One man, who asked not to be named, said: “We won’t engage in violence.

“We just want to live in a safe environment. We are crying out for help from the police.

“We pay our taxes, but we’re not seeing results.”

The 45-year-old, who lives in Westrow Drive, added: “We’re out there acting as a deterrent and to prevent someone else becoming a victim.”

Mohsin Ahmed of Cavendish Gardens said he can’t leave his three daughters alone in the house at night anymore in case there’s a break in.

“We used to feel safe, we never used to have a problem.

“A lot of people in my road don’t feel safe and it seems to be getting worse. It’s really scary,” Mr Ahmed said.

He added crooks had been stealing cars after breaking into houses to snatch keys with some even trying to kick down doors.

CCTV cameras weren’t acting as a deterrent either, the 42-year-old said.

Worried residents have written to Barking MP Dame Margaret Hodge, who has written to the Met, and posted CCTV footage online of men wandering through the streets trying doors.

Barking and Dagenham police in a statement on social media reassured households officers were investigating three burglaries and one attempted burglary in Melford Avenue and Dereham Road on December 6.

Police have been carrying out enquiries and forensics experts have been visiting affected homes, it says.

“We would like to mention, however, that this sort of activity is not a regular occurence and there have been no further burglaries reported since December 6”, the message reads.

It adds police will patrol the area when shifts allow.

The statement ends: “The community spirit in the area has been apparent and this has resulted in information and CCTV clips being passed to police which will assist the investigation and hopefully result in suspects being identified”.

For crime prevention advice visit met.police.uk.