This young thug was caught on video throwing a rock at a house. It is just one example of the sickening rise in vandalism in Swindon.

DESPERATE Haydon Wick resident Michael Uzzell is the latest Swindon resident to resort to installing CCTV cameras at his home because of persistent vandal attacks.

And he has footage which clearly shows a youth pulling the name badge off his Mercedes 190.

This was the latest in a string of attacks on his car, which have cost him £2,000 to repair in total.

But he is furious because although he reported the latest incident to the police the day after it happened nearly three weeks ago officers have still not been round to pick up the tape.

Mr Uzzell, 50, of Furlong Close, said: "I'm disgusted, I just want them to make a bit of an effort.

"I get the feeling they are just interested in filling in bits of paper."

Mr Uzzell has one camera fixed on his car and another covers his back garden.

He installed the equipment after youths rammed a shopping trolley into his car, which cost him £750 to repair, and scratched the paintwork, causing damage estimated at £700.

He has also had mud thrown at his windows and in March a syringe was thrown into his garden.

Youths use a private drive next to his house as a short cut to reach the Haydon Wick Community Centre, where they gather at night.

Mr Uzzell added: "I don't feel safe in my own home."

He has written a letter about the problems to the police, Swindon Borough Council and has sent copies to Prime Minister Tony Blair and Home Secretary David Blunkett.

In March, the Evening Advertiser revealed how Val Hearn, 68, of Upper Stratton, caught an attack by vandals at her home on film.

She said: "Cameras mean you can give the police clear evidence."

Haydon Wick is the latest area of Swindon to fall victim to a wave of vandalism and loutish behaviour.

Residents have had eggs and stones thrown at their homes and have to face verbal abuse on a regular basis.

A play area at the back of the Haydon Wick Community Centre is used as a meeting point.

Residents say urgent action is needed to tackle the problem.

Yesterday, parish councillors held a meeting with the police and borough council crime prevention officers.

Parish councillor Phil Eagle, who attended the meeting, said: "The police promised to cooperate, but they haven't promised anything tangible."

Inspector Wendy Grant, who is in charge of policing Swindon's northern area, said: "The problem of anti-social behaviour and disorder in Haydon Wick is a priority.

"Several arrests have been made in recent days."

She said Mr Uzzell's case was being investigated, but was unable to comment on his complaints.

Swindon Council spokesman Gavin Calthrop said the authority's crime and disorder unit was working with residents in Haydon Wick to tackle the problems.

If you are have been experiencing problems with anti-social behaviour, call the Evening Advertiser newsdesk on 01793 528144 extension 262.