A pensioner's bungalow complex hit by burglaries before Christmas is now the constant target of vandals, claims the warden.

Several shed burglaries at Darlington Gardens, Harold Hill prompted residents to petition Havering Council for security improvements there. The council responded with plans for ground improvements, after meetings with angry residents, who claimed the dimly lit green behind their houses was too easily accessed by criminals.

Warden Barbara Bayliss said there had been 'plenty' of vandalism at and around the complex since Christmas, most recently occurring in surrounding streets.

She said: "The vandals around here won't leave anything alone. It may be children involved and so I feel it may be more difficult to take action."

Sgt Mick Walford said: "Residents and other witnesses should keep an eye out for and report whoever is to blame. Even if it is children responsible, we can still take action."

A spokesman for Haveing Council said: ''Since security concerns were raised last December, anti-climb paint has been applied to all the high walls enclosing the communal area at Darlington Gardens.

''The council is not aware of any recent acts of vandalism in the area.''

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.