A BURGLARY 'epidemic' in Greenmount has prompted the community to form a crimewatch network.

Dozens of residents have united to keep each other informed about suspicious activity.

A WhatsApp group was initially set up but quickly became unfeasible due to the volume of residents wanting to join.

Instead, a closed Facebook group has been launched, attracting more than 300 members in just two days.

Paul Stocks set up the Greenmount Residents Network Facebook group after being broken into during the early hours of Saturday, December 30.

He said: "I caught someone as they were climbing through our lounge window.

"The person had managed to break the locks. When I confronted him he ran off down Holcombe Road."

Mr Stocks and his wife called the police, who arrived within 10 minutes.

He said: "My wife was scared and we haven't slept well since as I am constantly checking the house.

"It’s not just what they take, it’s what they leave behind - fear and anger."

Residents' wider concerns over limited police resources prompted Mr Stocks to launch the network group.

He said: "People in the area are fed up, scared and frustrated that nothing is appearing to be done.

"So I decided to try and do something positive.

"The response has been phenomenal and we had nearly 500 applicants request to join within 12 hours of its inception.

"If residents can work together, maybe we can help catch criminals in the act and support the authorities in bringing these people to justice.

"The more people watching, the more chance we have of ending the theft epidemic in the area and making people feel safer in their homes."

Resident Baz Kirkley, who lives in Sandringham Drive, said their neighbours had also been broken into on New Year's Eve.

He said: "I spoke with the police who were on the street at around 2.30am when I returned home from work.

"It seems that there's a real epidemic with burglaries in this area at the moment with a few being reported every night."

A couple who didn't want to be named were among others who have been targeted by thieves over the Christmas period.

The couple returned to their home in Byron Road from a New Year's Eve celebration to find their car, jewellery, bank cards and other valuable items had been stolen.

Thieves removed fence panels at the rear of the property before smashing through the patio doors to gain access.

The couple said: "They went through all our drawers and cupboards, taking multiple items."

The couple's white Mercedes A Class has since been found after it was spotted in Newton Drive.

They added: "We are so thankful for the community's support.

"It is so important we continue to stick together.

"This new group is a perfect way to raise awareness and offer support for each other."