RESIDENTS have installed spy cameras following a spate of vandalism attacks in the Dumers Lane area of Radcliffe.

In recent weeks cars have been vandalised on an almost nightly basis forcing the council tenants to take the drastic course of action.

The cameras costing around £300 were installed and paid for by two residents in an attempt to catch the people terrorizing their estate.

Ms Eileen Evans along with a neighbour paid for the cameras and they both monitor the film footage.

Ms Evans, who is a full-time carer for her disabled mother Mrs Helen Chapman, said: "We had no choice but to set up our own cameras in a bid to catch the vandals."

She added: "One of my neighbours is refusing to park his car on Dumers Lane. Instead he leaves it outside a friend's house.

"Many of the residents on the estate are elderly and need their cars to get out and about."

Residents say the attacks on their cars have been going on for years but have escalated in recent months.

Recent incidents include the slashing of brake and petrol pipes, the scratching of paintwork, and vehicles being broken into.

Residents have been parking their cars on the grass verges outside their houses in a bid to deter the vandals.

"Now we are being told by our estate manager that we are not allowed to park on the grass and have to park on the road," said Ms Evans.

"Not only do the cars get vandalised when they are parked on the road because they are further away from the houses, but other motorist end up crashing into them. I have had two cars written off when other vehicles have gone into the back of them," added Ms Evans.

The police admitted there was a problem with car thefts and thefts from cars as well as vandalism on the estate.

Inspector John Higson, head of Radcliffe Township the base for community policing, said: "My officers are aware of the problem in the area. We are directing resources into dealing with the problem."

A council spokesman said that the residents were not allowed to park on the grass verges because of the damage caused. But she added that the council was looking at the problem of parking both in Dumers Lane and borough wide.

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