STRATTON residents are at their wits’ end after being beset by vandals around Merton Fields.

They voiced concerns about drug dealing, vandalism, and other crimes occurring in the area at a parish council meeting this week.

One resident said: “It’s not just in the parks, it’s in the streets nearby too.

“Vandalism is a real problem.

“My car has been broken into twice and the second time, I didn’t bother calling the police.

“There are a lot of ways for offenders to escape in that estate so they never get caught.

Another resident said:”They’re taking drugs, jumping on car roofs, drinking and having sex in alleyways behind our houses.

“Lots of us have lived here for a long time and it’s getting really horrible.

“What do we do?”

PCSOs were on hand at the Strattton St Margaret Parish Council meeting to try to reassure people that the matter was being dealt with.

PCSO Tom Fryzska said: “There’s no quick fix, but if you see this happening, call 101.

“Back in January, I was made aware of the issues at Merton Fields and it’s been a force priority for several months.

“It was initially deemed a success and we are actively patrolling the area, but I will push for increased patrols.

“We have five PCSOs in Stratton, which is three more than there used to be.

“CCTV units will be used by the basketball courts on Friday and Saturday nights to act as a deterrent.

“Police resources are limited, so if my colleagues aren’t finding offenders, they will move the resources elsewhere, but the PCSOs will remain.

“We can use Public Space Protection Orders which last 48 hours.

“I’m applying for longer ones to be used in order to robustly deal with this problem.”

A public Crime Surgery consultation at the parish council’s meeting room in Grange Leisure will be held today from 11am to 12pm with PCSO Dominic Tonge, who will offer advice and listen to concerns.