A SON has called for tighter security after a spate of vandalism at the sheltered accommodation block where his mother lives.

Les Kownacki ,47, of Micklefield Road, Micklefield, has grown increasingly concerned for the safety of his mother Helena, 77, and other elderly residents living at Westwood House in Holmers Farm Way, Booker.

The council run accommodation has been targeted by graffiti artists and car wreckers over the past two years but a recent surge in vandalism has left some residents afraid to leave their homes.

Mr Kownacki first experienced the affects 18 months ago when youths smashed the windows of his car which was parked in the Westwood car park.

His mother had her car windows smashed a few months ago, and on May 13 her Renault Clio windscreen was smashed after a failed attempt to hotwire the car.

"There are youths blatantly hanging around causing so much distress to these elderly people who simply do not need this kind of worry," said Mr Kownacki.

He said the buildings are covered in graffiti and gangs of youngsters kicking the buildings which leads to a pounding noise in the pensioners' homes.

"I've seen street lights being smashed just outside and I couldn't believe the stories after speaking to others who live there and their experiences. There is certainly a problem and it needs to be addressed."

Another resident, who does not wish to be named, was badly shook up after seeing a crowd of youths bailing out of the building after kicking his door in. They had gained access after he propped a door open to sunbathe outside.

Mr Kownacki has called for a Neighbourhood Watch scheme to be set up or CCTV cameras in the car park.

"Something has to happen to make my mother and her neighbours feel safer. Yes, the doors are alarmed but it doesn't make it any safer in the immediate surroundings," he said.

A Wycombe District Council spokeswoman said: "We are aware of Westwood residents concerns and have written to them advising of the dangers of actions like leaving doors propped open and to be extra vigilant, particularly of bogus callers."

She said the council has no immediate plans to set up CCTV in the car-park.

A spokeswoman for Chiltern Vale Police said an elderly man's home had been broken into on May 12 but nothing was taken.

She urged residents to be vigilant about callers but said Booker did not have more vandalism problems than other areas.