Thaxted residents are calling for CCTV and extra security following claims of harassment by a gang of "menacing" youths.
The daughter of a 70-year-old woman claims her mother has been imprisoned in her home fearing abuse from the 20 strong mob.
The woman who also lives in Thaxted, who wishes to remain anonymous, said she has become too scared to walk her dogs past Margaret Garden because of their loutish behaviour.
She claims that over the last few months the gang have plagued the roads with reckless driving, loud music, vandalism and verbal abuse.
The teacher, said: "One of my friends lives behind the Margaret Street car park and over one weekend she looked out of her window and saw a group of them surrounding a car just smashing it up in broad daylight.
"I would like to see CCTV installed around the parish especially in the Margaret Street car park."
Saffron Waldon police and Uttlesford District Council are currently investigating the possibility of introducing CCTV.
Thaxted Parish Council is keen to see CCTV installed in the parish's most vulnerable places, the Margaret Street car park, the Guild Hall and at the Windmill.
Sergeant Ashley Seymour, of the community police team, admitted that although resources were stretched he intended to tackle the problem: "We are looking to work together with the council towards reducing the number of incidents being reported."
Published Wednesday August 18, 2004
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