A lawyer who had his flat burgled is moving out of Golders Green to save his “peace of mind”.

Mert Tanay, 27, wants to move from his home in Temple Fortune Mansions, Finchley Road as soon as possible because he no longer feels safe.

Mr Tanay has been living in the flat for just five days before it was broken into on Saturday, March 10.

He said: “It was a sunny day so everyone was out – I suppose it was a good time for criminals to come.

“I came home to get ready to meet friends but this happened. Luckily I wasn’t in, but they stole my laptop, which was expensive. I was very disappointed and annoyed.

“I didn’t mind paying a bit more to live here because it’s a nice area, a good environment and friendly people but I definitely feel less safe here now.

“I think there should be more CCTV – it’s vital for security and safety in the area.”

Last week Mr Tanay’s friend had his car broken into in Temple Fortune, and his ex-girlfriend had her tyres slashed around six months ago in Bridge Lane.

According to Metropolitan Police statistics, there were three residential burglaries around Mr Tamar’s house in January and February. In the last two months there have also been five thefts from motor vehicles and 44 incidents of anti-social behaviour.

Mr Tanay moved from Turkey to Golders Green four years ago. He said: “I wanted to live in England to have a nice environment. A lot of families live in this area and professionals, and it’s a very well known area – but it’s changing.

“Too many crimes are happening. I don’t have the same feelings for this area anymore.

“I’ve decided to move to Willesden Green - It may not be as nice but at least I’ll have my peace of mind.”

Superintendent Mark Strugnell said: "Barnet police are are of the challenges of burglaries and the distress this crime causes to the victims. "We are determined to reduce this crime and have launched a number of operations such as Operation Invincible to deter and arrest burglars and we have been supported by officers from control units such as the Territorial Support Group who have been patrolling the Barnet borough." Police are appealing for witnesses to the burglary. Anyone with information is asked to call Barnet police on 020 8733 5835 or call CrimeStoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, quoting reference number: 2405978/12.