DAY centre manager Lyn Gillett has said she is desperate for CCTV cameras to be installed in the road where she works after two handbags were stolen from the centre.

Mrs Gillett, manager of Bourne End Day Centre, said two handbags were stolen from the centre in Wakeman Road last Thursday the latest in a spate of crimes to have taken place on the road.

She said: "We are desperate to have these CCTV cameras put here. The minibus which has been parked outside has been vandalised many times and there was a break-in at the end of last year. Lockers have been broken into and the lady at the community centre had her purse swiped in the main office.

"It's getting ridiculous. All my colleagues want CCTV. I have been very wary of coming in the building in the morning and unlocking doors and windows.

"What would make me feel comfortable is if cameras were put up. I think somebody had been watching the building. There's just a little footpath in the back and people can see into the building. It's a bit creepy."

She said that herself and a colleague went into the day centre just before 8am last Thursday. Her colleague left her bag in the staff room to go into the kitchen but when she got back the bag had gone. Mrs Gillett's bag was stolen from her office while she was unlocking the doors of the centre. Although both bags were found in School Road, Mrs Gillett's bank cards were missing.

She added: "They need CCTV cameras put around Wakeman Road focusing on the community centre and day centre. There are kids hanging around the toilets and having the cameras up might deter them hanging around."

Doug Meredith, neighbourhood watch coordinator, was among those who were campaigning for CCTV cameras in the village.

He said: "Wakeman Road is one big black spot in Bourne End. We want CCTV as fast as we can."

A meeting is being held at the end of this month about CCTV coverage. Wycombe district councillor Brian Pollock will be attending and views from residents associations will be heard.