 Yobs target flats |
| One of the blocks of flats vandalised by youngsters |
The youngsters have been attacking blocks of flats in Milestone Road by smashing windows, destroying sheds, hotwiring the electrics and causing a gas leak.
The flat owners, North Hertfordshire Homes, has even gone as far as employing a security firm which put a security guard and a dog on patrol on Monday.
By Tuesday evening the guard and his dog were under attack from the yobs who pelted them with bricks and stones, forcing them to retreat and call the police.
North Hertfordshire Homes has asked the company to send out a second guard and dog as a backup.
There are three blocks of flats, all of which are due for redevelopment. At the moment one is empty, one partially occupied and a third fully occupied.
Louise Ward, the resident liaison officer from North Hertfordshire Homes, said the association is doing its best to stop the youngsters.
She said: "We are hoping to redevelop them later in the summer but until then we are committed to doing all we can to keep them safe.
"The kids have broken up for the school holidays and they are trashing the place.
"Entry has been gained to the flats, the metal screens on the windows have been ripped off and they have been able to get into the building's electronics.
"They have ripped up gas pipes and there has been a gas leak. We have put signs up but they have been ripped down."
Ms Ward said controlling the blocks was "difficult" because there was a public footpath which runs through the site so it cannot be closed off completely.
"We are doing everything we can," she said, "the situation is under daily review."
One resident, who wishes to remain anonymous for fear of reprisals, said: "The flats may well look unsightly but they are people's homes and they should not have to put up with such behaviour."
Cllr David Billing, whose ward includes Milestone Road, said he has had a meeting with the police about the problems.
He said: "I am appalled by this behaviour and its effect on surrounding properties and the image of this pleasant residential road as a whole.
"These three blocks are to be demolished soon by North Herts Homes to be replaced by brand new homes which will improve the area. In the meantime this behaviour by a few people is not only frightening for the few residents who remain to be moved out, but it is extremely dangerous for those who are breaking in.
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