Ref. 28780-23VICTIMS of vandals in Penhill are fighting back.

A plague of anti-social behaviour is causing misery for residents in Avebury Road.

The situation has got so bad that some residents have resorted to installing CCTV cameras on their homes after months of relentless abuse.

Youths aged between seven and 18 have been threatening residents with violence, vandalising cars, hurling bottles at vehicles, starting fires near homes and throwing used condoms into gardens.

Householders claim their plight is not being taken seriously by either the police or Swindon Council.

Mother-of-two Carole O'Sullivan, 36, has installed a CCTV camera after youths caused damage put at £160 to her outdoor Christmas decorations.

Mrs O'Sullivan, who has lived in the area for 14 years, said: "We are just fed up with this.

"I have footage of youngsters damaging my property and getting into my garden."

But she claimed: "Whenever any-one calls the police we get no response,"

Another couple installed a camera after vandals caused damage to their car estimated at £1,000. They have footage of youths bombarding them with abuse.

Residents are so fed up with escalating problems that they have formed Avebury Road Residents' Association and hope to bring different agencies together to tackle the problems.

The police have been invited to the next meeting, in February, when residents will hand over their video footage.

Householders are also recording incidents on log-sheets, which will be handed over at the meeting.

Sue Harrington, 53, who helped to form the group, said: "We do not have to put up with this.

"We want a better service from the police."

Coun Andy Harrison (Lab, Penhill) said: "This kind of behaviour is not acceptable and I would like to see the council take out Anti-Social Behaviour Orders if necessary."

Swindon police spokeswoman Alvina Kumar said: "Anti-social behaviour is unacceptable and Swindon police, in partnership with Swindon Council and other agencies, are committed to policing the problem.

"Policing is carried out on a geo-graphical basis with an inspector having responsibility for day-to-day operational matters on their sectors. They identify hotspots and prioritise areas which require extra attention to tackle problems."

Hellen Barnes, for Swindon Council, said: "Our housing and Crime and Disorder Team, together with the police, are working with the community to resolve issues and will take action as required within the powers available to us.

"We would encourage residents to report incidents as soon as possible to the police, if a street crime incident occurs or the council's environmental health team on 466068 if there is a noise nuisance.

"There is also the anti-social behaviour reporting line on 466738."

Anti-social behaviour problems have led to more and more Swindon residents installing CCTV on their homes. The cameras can be bought for as little as £35.

In May last year, a 16-year-old youth was ordered to pay £140 in compensation to Stratton resident Val Hearn, 68, after she produced footage of him hurling a paint can at her front door.

Anti-Social Behaviour Orders are civil orders brought by Swindon Council which can ban trouble-makers from designated areas and from harassing individuals.

The Residents' Association's meeting starts at 7.30pm on February 10 at the Royal British Legion in Downton Road, Penhill.