A string of burglaries has led a group of neighbours to take matters into their own hands.

People living in Brunswick Park Gardens and Howards Close, New Southgate, say their neighbourhood has been hit by a wave of burglaries during the past 18 months.

The most recent came earlier this month, when an elderly woman was attacked in her home by four masked men.

Robbers broke into her home and stole her jewellery, before hitting her on the head with a screwdriver, which left her requiring hospital treatment.

In response, a Neighbourhood Watch scheme and residents’ group has been set up, and members are trying to raise awareness of the issue.

Vinod Thakrar, who lives in Howard Close, said: “This has happened quite a lot in recent times. It could have been fatal. We could have been looking at a very different incident. We don’t event want to contemplate it.

“We need to get some help, and get across that residents are upset and we are not tolerating these incidents anymore. The bottom line is we have got to do something about it.”

Harvey Mozer, chairman of the HC/BPG residents’ security group, said 40 people had joined, and the group was looking at installing CCTV in the area – although finding the money was difficult.

Mr Mozer, of Howards Close, said: “We are looking at making the area more secure and we have drawn this to a lot of people’s attention. We are driving it forward.

“People want to keep their neighbourhood safe. We are taking action ourselves to instigate matters. People want to feel like they live in a safe environment. We know we can make a difference.”

Mr Mozer's wife Miriam said: “People are very concerned. There are people of all ages living round here, and families with teenage children at home on their own during the day. That is quite worrying if you have children at home by themselves.”

The group will hold a public meeting on April 17 in Brunswick Park Gardens to discuss the issue.

For more information about joining the group, email harvey41hc@gmail.com