Elderly residents in a block of flats blighted by crime are too scared to speak out about the problems dogging their home.

That’s according to David Tupper of Midhurst Court, in Mote Road, Maidstone, who says an atmosphere of fear and mistrust has descended on the tower block in the wake of repeat thefts and vandalism attacks.

In the most recent attacks on Saturday, an elderly resident had her door kicked down during the night, while another man had three gold rings, 100 CDs and two bags stolen.

After the latest attacks Mr Tupper has called on Maidstone Housing Trust officials to come to the aid of blighted residents.

“We get a lot of smashed windows and doors” he said, “It’s affecting people very badly."

Maidstone Housing Trust now says it will consider installing CCTV cameras and said it wants to ensure people can live "safely and happily in their home".

Mr Tupper said security doors at Midhurst Court had been working sporadically over the last 18 months, at times allowing anyone into the block.

“They’re not really dealing with things in an appropriate manner” he said, “this keeps happening on a regular basis.”

And Mr Tupper, a member of Maidstone Residents Group, added: “Certain tenants don’t like to speak about it because they’re scared that it could come back on them.

“It’s not fair to the good people; you’ve got bad people taking from the good. Everyone is fed up.”

A spokesperson for Maidstone Housing Trust said: "CCTV is one of the security options we’re looking at, but the technology in this area is moving quickly and we want to make sure we invest in the right thing. Additionally, CCTV in isolation will not solve any problems, which is why it’s essential we work with residents to find real long-term solutions.

“We want all our customers to be able to live safely and happily in their home.”

Police confirmed they were investigating a burglary and an attempted burglary carried out on Saturday, along with another burglary committed between Monday August 18 and Tuesday August 19.

Anyone with information should call 01622 690055 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.