Northamptonshire villagers call for action from the authorities to tackle crime after spate of thefts

Residents in a Northamptonshire village have set up their own vigilante patrols due to a lack of confidence in the police after a spate of thefts.

More than 240 people have signed a petition calling for action and a public meeting to tackle crime in Brixworth following numerous cases of criminal damage and break-ins.

Northamptonshire Police has increased patrols in the area and is working with the police, fire and crime commissioner (PFCC), Brixworth Parish Council and other partners to address concerns.

Sergeant Aaron Puckrin said: “Firstly, I want to reassure the local community in Brixworth that there is a lot of work going on to investigate this spate of break-ins in order to bring the offenders to justice.

“House-to-house enquiries have been taking place in the areas where the break-ins have been reported and we have also been collecting CCTV to ascertain whether there is any footage of note that may help us identify our suspects.

“We have also had meetings with representatives from the parish council as well as the community safety partnership and are currently in talks with both organisations regarding the setting up of a local Streetwatch scheme.

“Finally, I would like to appeal for anyone with any information about these break-ins to come forward. You can do this via 101 or if you would prefer to remain anonymous, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

The petition's description says Brixworth has become a target area for vehicle crime and burglaries in recent weeks and months as it gets darker sooner.

"Residents are understandably increasingly concerned and anxious with the increased levels of crime within the village, whilst having very little confidence in the levels of policing and patrols in the area and the speed of response when reporting crimes or suspicious activity," it adds.

"This lack of confidence in law enforcement has resulted in Brixworth residents taking the matter in hand by setting up their own vigilante patrols."

The catalyst for the uproar is thought to be the theft of 22 car wing mirrors on the night of November 1, which appears to be linked with offences that stretch from Leicestershire to Northampton.

However, police statistics for Brixworth show non-violent crime decreased during the 12 months up to October compared to the previous year - from 152 to 148.

But Daventry District Council community partnerships manager Kevin Fagan acknowledged that not all of victims of crime report the incident.

"With such low numbers, it is understandable that residents are concerned by 22 crimes in one night," he added.

Parish council chairman Stephen James said the local authority is aware of the community's concerns and the petition.

"We are discussing the monthly crime data at our next meeting with a view to requesting partnership action to reduce local crime," he said.

"The parish council is happy to work both with the police and the community to deliver a safer community.

Petitioners called on PFCC Stephen Mold to respond to their worries and set up an action plan to address them as well as intervention from Daventry MP Chris Heaton-Harris.

Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Stephen Mold said: “I am sad to hear that people have signed this petition to show they are unhappy with incidents that have happened in Brixworth.

"I will be asking the chief constable to let me know what is happening in the area and what is being done to address residents’ concerns, and I’ll be getting back in touch with the residents to let them know.

“The force has made a priority of acquisitive crime and has had significant success with residential burglaries.

"I will ask the chief if there is a similar focus on vehicle crime and for an update on these incidents.”

A spokesperson for Mr Heaton-Harris said the MP is aware of the issue and has contacted Mr Mold and Chief Constable Nick Adderley to address the residents' concerns.