PEOPLE living in a quite cul-de-sac want CCTV cameras installed in a disused driveway to stop it being used by criminals.
Residents in Trafalgar Place, Wanstead, have called on the council to install cameras in the overgrown road - which runs alongside the Central Line track - to deter burglars from using it to access their back gardens.
They also claim the driveway, which was recently adopted by Redbridge Council, is regularly used by other criminals as a dumping ground for stolen wallets and car number plates and as a location for drug taking.
Peter Courtney, 28, whose house backs onto the site said he and his wife recently saw two men jumping over the small fence which runs along it and hide in a bush.
He said: "When these guys saw us they just ran off, so I can only assume that they had been up to no good.
"This track makes the houses along here very vulnerable to burglary, because they can hide here and then escape back into it afterwards.
"A gate was put up here a while ago, but that has not stopped people getting in if they want to.
"I have also seen some guys replacing the numberplates on a Mini and throwing the old ones into the bushes."
The driveway, which is littered with old tires and other rubbish, is located immediately opposite the entrance to Eagle Lane underpass where several people have been mugged in recent years - including Mr Courtney's mother.
His wife Laila also called for better lighting in the close at a meeting of area one committee on Monday night - but was told by council officials that no money was available.
She said: "My husband and I and my neighbours feel very vulnerable living next to a lane that’s being used for criminal activities.
“We’ve found a wallet containing credit cards that has been thrown into the garden, and it’s just horrible being unsafe in your own home."
The couple now plan to install their own light to cover the area bordering the driveway.
Neighbour Gaynor Simpson, backed the couple's campaign.
She said: "I'm not sure what could be done, but it would be nice to have security and safety improved there in some way."
These views were shared by fellow Trafalgar Place resident, Charl Jordan.
He said: "CCTV would be good. I'd welcome anything that improves the security situation in the area."
Area one councillors have agreed to look into establishing a budget for lighting public rights of way.
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