Council could have done much more to prevent burglary

WE were burgled between four and six in the afternoon on January 23. The scumbags broke down part of the garden fence, plus the locked garden gate, and then jemmied the kitchen door open.

I was in the top half of the house and didn't hear them riffling through the bottom rooms. The most frightening thing was that they had picked up a knife, and left it in another room. I have always said I would confront a thief with anything I could lay my hands on. I now know that I would be so scared, I would leg it out of the front door as fast as I could.

I want to thank Haringey police for attending so promptly after I called 999. They were courteous, considerate and spent a long time in the house. The 'scenes of crime' was equally praiseworthy. We both knew the criminals would probably not be caught.

However, as usual I am absolutely disgusted by the lack of preventative action by Haringey Council. The gardens of the houses on Hillside Gardens back onto a long alley. This was well lit and maintained until about 20 years ago. After the lights went out, increasing numbers of drug users and thieves started to use it.

Eventually I persuaded the council to turn on the lamps. There was a marked improvement in the degree of criminal activity.

About six months ago the lights suddenly went off. I rang the council's recorded message helpline - no-one phoned me back. I contacted my councillor who said he would try to help - but I didn't hear from him either.

If this alley is not lit, more householders - and indeed shop owners on the other side - are more likely to be broken into.

This once safe area is being invaded by junkies and others, who want to steal anything they can lay their hands on, and often threaten violence. For the council, protecting residents appears not to be a priority.

CAROLE TUCKER

Hillside Gardens, N6