A MOTHER says she and her children have become prisoners in their own homes while a gang of youngsters terrorises the street where they live.

Avril Roberts, 36, from White Road, Chatham, has had three windows smashed, youngsters urinating in her garden, and bottles and bricks thrown at the house. She now fears for the safety of her five young children.

Mrs Roberts said: “We are so scared in the evenings that we sit in darkness for fear that they will know we are inside the house.

“After school is over, my children can’t go out to play - it is just too dangerous. The police say they can not do anything until they see them. But by the time they arrive, the youngsters have disappeared.”

Mrs Roberts said that she can not let her children play in either the back or front garden, because it is used as a tipping ground.

She said: “I have a one-year-old daughter and I don’t want her playing inches away from glass bottles.”

The gang congregates along the White Road, Chatham, until late into the evening. Mrs Roberts said: “Sometimes there is up to 20 of them. The havoc they cause is a regular occurrence.”

Mrs Roberts said residents don’t want to tell the youngsters off for fear of reprisals.

She said: “An elderly friend of mine came to visit and was subjected to verbal abuse. When she walked through the door she was shaking like

a leaf.

“This has been going on for eight years. I am redecorating and planning to move on. Enough is enough.”

Ward councillor John Shaw said: “I know this is a police matter, but it is scandalous that it is going on.

“I intend to contact the woman concerned and I will also speak to our MP, Jonathan Shaw, to see whether we need a meeting with local residents.’’

Medway Police are investigating. A spokesman said: “Criminal damage is a social problem and one that is taken very seriously.

“We are working closely with Medway Council using Operation Sahara to combat incidents of criminal damage.

“Medway Police urge anyone who has experienced such incidents to report them -- as only then can they be investigated.’’