Police have hit back at claims they have not responded to crime around Flaxmere's Swansea retirement village and are calling on the community to help them catch the criminals.
The response comes after four cars were broken into last Friday night, prompting Swansea residents to contact Hawke's Bay Today because of a perceived lack of security and preventative measures by police.
The retirement village has become a targeted area for crime, with some residents afraid to leave their front doors, while others struggle to sleep at night. Swansea Village is the Hastings District Council's largest housing for the elderly, with 64 flats.
Flaxmere Community Constable Greg Andrew acknowledged that crime around Swansea was an issue but the problem was much wider than just one location. He said police and the district council had been working closely with the retirement village around safety and security since last October.
"Police and the council have consulted with the residents on a number of occasions and we have implemented various ideas and solutions to a recent upsurge in crime in the area. This includes discussions around possible fencing alterations, CCTV systems and increased police and security patrols for the immediate area," Mr Andrew said.