Landlord’s vow to Telford resident as car targeted twice by vandals
A social housing landlord has vowed to stamp out anti-social behaviour in a Telford street where a resident’s car was twice vandalised.
Nigel Toffanin normally parks his blue Nissan car next to an alley in Athersmith Close, Dawley.
He is calling for street cameras to be installed in the area after his windscreen was first cracked in December before the rear window of his car was deliberately smashed on March 11 in two mystery attacks.
Mr Toffanin has called on West Mercia Police, Wrekin Housing Trust and Telford & Wrekin Council to make improvements, such as installing street cameras and better street lights following a spate of incidents, including motorcyclists riding illegally along the footpath.
Wrekin Housing Trust spokeswoman Kathryn Holmes said: “We were sorry to hear about this incident and have been in contact with Mr Toffanin to discuss the matter. Although such incidents are rare it is important that residents report any issues to the police and let their local housing team know so that we can work in partnership to tackle these instances and help to stamp out such problems.”
Mr Toffinan, 54, is due to apply to the landlord for permission to install a CCTV camera. He added that a Telford & Wrekin Council officer had carried out a site visit.
After the second attack Mr Toffanin, a carer, said: “Due to anti-social behaviour here I’ve had my car damaged twice in three months. I’ve got no idea who’s doing it. As far as I know nobody else has had issues.
Excess
“There’s an alley next to our parking space and there’s lot of pedestrians including kids using the footpath so it could be anyone. The first time it happened was on December 12 when I found a crack on the front window, then the rear window was smashed.
“I have to pay £75 excess on the car insurance each time to get it fixed which isn’t ideal as it gets expensive. I’m not happy that someone is targeting my car.
"I’ve been speaking to the police, Wrekin Housing Trust and Telford & Wrekin Council about doing something about making some improvements, such as installing street cameras, better street lights and removing the fence. So far the response has been encouraging.
“An officer from Madeley Safer Neighbourhood Team came to see me and she has been quite helpful.
"I have also received a landlords’ permission form from the housing trust to request a CCTV camera. If saw anyone saw suspicious behaviour regarding my car please contact the police.”
West Mercia Police spokeswoman Amy Singleton said: “I can confirm we were contacted on Thursday March 11 to a report of criminal damage of a vehicle at a property on Athersmith Close.”
