Highgate residents claim they have been forced to rely on private security firms and not the police for their safety.

People living in Sheldon Avenue and Stormont Road have asked police for more patrols in the wake of a perceived spate of crime.

They all pay for private firm CPS to patrol their streets in a security van, but argue that they should also be able to rely on police to make their roads feel safer.

Barry Shaw, chairman of Sheldon Avenue Residents’ Association, said: “They say there’s no crime, but that’s if you relate it to Tottenham. If you’re a victim, it’s a crime. Notwithstanding the private security, we feel police should be on the front line.”

Highgate’s Safer Neighbourhood Team say that only one crime was reported in those roads in the last month – a theft of a laptop, computer and watch from an open window in Sheldon Avenue.

Sgt Mohammed Uddin urged residents to report any crime or suspicious activity because officers concentrate their patrols in areas where crime rates are higher.

He added that there has been a “sharp fall” in burglaries and motor vehicle crime in the last month.

“Please do report any crime even if you think it may not be important and do encourage your friends, family and neighbours to do the same by calling 101,” he said.