Pro-active neighbours in Vange are taking to the streets to combat the growing youth problems.

Fed-up residents in Swanstead are joining forces to get to the root of the problem which is making their lives a misery.

Nine cars have been attacked in the road in two weeks with windows smashed and bumpers and number plates stolen.

Residents fear for their safety after a woman was approached by a teenager who tried to steal her mobile phone.

Now Christine Mitchell and Pam Foreman are setting the ball rolling by carrying out a survey.

Police have welcomed the move and look forward to what their work reveals.

The pair will be asking residents how often crimes are taking place and how helpful police are being.

They then intend to take their findings to officers in Pitsea and Basildon Council to see what can be done.

However, it may be too late for Mrs Foreman who is desperate to move out of her home of two years.

She said: "I cannot take anymore. It is diabolical."

Mrs Mitchell said: "I would like to speak to those causing the trouble to find out why they do it and what they would like to be doing.

"It is no good just locking them up - I believe in prevention.

"I grew up in Basildon and we used to hang around but never caused mindless vandalism and stabbed and killed each other like today.

"I lived in London for 20 years yet am too afraid to park my car outside my house down here. It is amazing."

Mrs Mitchell believes people in her neighbourhood have little faith in the police and do not report crimes.

She said: "The police need to be seen to be doing something.

"I believe the youngsters are offending because they are fearless - they know the police are not going to do anything about it."

Insp Glenn Caton, of Pitsea police, said: "It is very encouraging to see the community looking at the wider aspects of the problem.

I would welcome the findings of this survey and am happy to meet with these people to discuss the way forward.

"The police do have a responsibility to detect and combat crime but it is good to see the community playing its part too."

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