"WE'VE got to live here and at the moment it's not nice," says Donna Pickering, a resident at The Keelings, Cinderford, where an outbreak of damage and thefts from cars is causing huge concern.

The latest incident at the weekend involved the theft of two number plates.

Ms Pickering says the incidents began about six weeks ago. In isolation, the thefts have not been major – a pair of gloves, a mobile phone.

But, says Ms Pickering, the situation is worrying.

"When you get up in the morning you never know what you are going to find." she said.

Police are now investigating the incidents. Anyone with information is being asked to telephone 101.