FAMILIES living in an area of Ipswich today claimed they are so terrified of being burgled that they are afraid of leaving their homes.The area around Whitton Church Lane has been hit by a spate of 13 burglaries in the past four weeks in which more than £10,000 of property has been stolen pushing residents close to breaking point.

FAMILIES living in an area of Ipswich today claimed they are so terrified of being burgled that they are afraid of leaving their homes.

The area around Whitton Church Lane has been hit by a spate of 13 burglaries in the past four weeks in which more than £10,000 of property has been stolen pushing residents close to breaking point.

One woman, who lives in the area but who declined to be named for fear of reprisals, said: "Some people might put off a day trip or a night out because they don't want to become a victim.

"We feel nervous about buying something new and carrying it into the house or having it delivered in case these burglars help themselves to it."

She believes a group of young men who loiter in the area are responsible for the crime wave but is annoyed at the face they haven't been caught.

She said: "There are several names that are always mentioned and the residents are becoming more and more angry because the police don't appear to be doing anything about them.

"I fear it's only a matter of time before they start taking the law into their own hands."

Since July 1 there have been nine burglaries in the Whitton area, four of which have been as a result of entry gained through unsecured windows.

Four burglaries also took place in the Defoe Road, Spencer Road and Whitton Church Lane area on June 29 and June 30.

Following these crimes, police have reiterated advice for residents to keep windows and doors securely locked.

Detective Inspector John Quinton said: "We are appealing to people within the community to come forward with information. We are of the opinion that the offender or offenders live locally and are possibly also selling on the property nearby.

"Some of the items that have been taken are quite large and we feel someone must have noticed someone acting suspiciously over the past few weeks.

"In the meantime we would stress to people the importance of ensuring their homes remain secure at all times, especially in the warmer periods when there is a tendency to leave windows and doors open."

All windows, including small ones which might appear to be too small to gain access, should be securely locked.

Anyone who has information in relation to any of these incidents can call Ipswich CID on 01473 383133 or calls can be made in confidence, anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

For information on measure to reduce crime, call 01473 383141.