WORRIED residents in an Ipswich estate today said they are too scared to leave their homes at night because levels of anti social behaviour related crimes have soared in recent weeks.

WORRIED residents in an Ipswich estate today said they are too scared to leave their homes at night because levels of anti social behaviour related crimes have soared in recent weeks.

Police have revealed patrols have in stepped up on the Triangle Estate, between Hadleigh Road and London Road, following a rise in incidents in the area.

In the last three weeks shop windows have been smashed in, stolen cars have been abandoned in streets, other cars have been stolen and houses have been broken into.

Many of the residents The Star spoke to were too afraid to give their names in case it encouraged yobs to carry out attacks on themselves.

Thanabalasingan Kethees runs the Dickens News shop in Dickens Road.

He said: “Things have been getting worse. We have a lot of problems with shop lifting and gangs hanging around outside the shop.

“I live on the estate too so have to cope with it in a professional manner and at home.”

Sai Vasa has recently moved out of his Dickens Road home because of the rising problems.

He said: “I know this estate very well but in recent times the problems have become too much to cope with.

“It doesn't surprise me in the slightest that crime figures are up and I am pleased I managed to move away.”

One Dickens Road resident, who did not wish to be named, said: “I think the crime has always been here but it is just that residents are getting fed up with it now and reporting it to the police.

“I have taken some of them to court over incidents because I just got fed up with things happening.”

A Dombey Road resident, who also didn't want to be named, said: “There has been all sorts of things going on here over the last few weeks.

“Cars have been dumped on the corner of the road and the police helicopter is always circling above.

“Sometimes it feels like extra-terrestrials have come because the spot light from the helicopter is always beaming down at night. I wouldn't walk to the shops in the evening.”

Weblink: www.suffolk.police.uk