A PORTUGESE couple spoke of their terror today after their flat was targeted by vandals five times in less than a month.Aduardo and Maria Martinho, who live on the ground flat on Yarmouth Road and are in their early 50s, are determined to stay in the property but claimed that if it goes on much longer, they will be forced to move.
A PORTUGESE couple spoke of their terror today after their flat was targeted by vandals five times in less than a month.
Aduardo and Maria Martinho, who live on the ground flat on Yarmouth Road and are in their early 50s, are determined to stay in the property but claimed that if it goes on much longer, they will be forced to move.
The catalogue of events began on May 18 when a window was broken, on May 22 two more windows were smashed and a day later another window was broken. All four windows were replaced yet just over two weeks later on June 9, another window was smashed, followed by a similar incident on June 11.
The couple, who came to England from Portugal in May 2005 and do not speak much English, moved into the flat four months ago.
Their landlord Bouba Conteh said: “As soon as I had replaced the windows, they were smashed again. It has cost me a few hundred pounds.
“My tenants don't want to move because they say they love the place. The windows at the front are the bedroom and the front window so it's very scary for them. The wife is particularly frightened.
“I don't know why they have been targeted. The house is a bit isolated I suppose because there are not many other houses near it but the tenant upstairs hasn't had any trouble. I want to get some CCTV cameras installed.”
It is thought the culprits are throwing stones while driving past in a car. On one occasion Mr Martinho heard a bang and ran to the window to find a car speeding past towards Norwich Road.
Police are appealing for witnesses to all of the incidents. Anyone with information should call Pc Stuart Boldero at the Central Ipswich Safer Neighbourhood Team on 01473 613500.
n. Have you experienced problems with vandalism? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here