Frightened pensioners believe their sheltered home is being plagued by criminals - and say police are not doing enough to stop them.

On successive nights last week, two cars were broken into, tools and a lawnmower were stolen from a shed and all the milk was stolen from doorsteps. Wheelie bins were also turned over outside the complex in Bellenger Way, Kidlington.

Margaret Cooper - who, at 63, is the youngest resident - phoned the police early on Thursday morning and was furious when no-one turned up to investigate.

But officers insist investigations were taking place and they believe they know the culprits.

Ms Cooper said many of the pensioners were too frightened to answer their doors and were furious that they had not seen the police. She added: "It is dreadful. They just haven't been out and it makes me wonder what we pay our taxes for. "There are a lot of people frightened here, believe you me. Not many people would answer their doorbells here, even as early as 6pm.

"When crimes happen and we report them to the police, we expect to see them here investigating."

A spokesman for Thames Valley Police said Ms Cooper was reporting crimes which were already being investigated.

Story date: Tuesday 28 December

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