WANSTEAD is experiencing an unprecedented crimewave.

There is an ever-increasing level of street crime through Wanstead and Snaresbrook including the smashing of plate glass windows at the Abbey National, Somerfield and an Indian restaurant, not to mention the vandalised phone boxes and bus stop panels and the countless number of cars that have had their windows smashed. A business premises was invaded by some eight to 12 refugees and a large sum of money stolen from the living accommodation at 3pm that afternoon.

A public house was invaded by a large group of travellers who caused mayhem and threatened staff and customers and who refused to leave causing the eventual resignation of the licensee. What on earth is going on? Why is our police station still shut and locked up like Fort Knox?

When are the ratepayers going to stand up and be counted and demand that we get the level of security and policing that we are paying for, not the bleating lies and the broken promises that have come out of Ilford police headquarters and Redbridge Council?

MRS J KEARNS, Wanstead.