FAMILIES living in the flood-hit villages of Moorland and Fordgate say they are concerned thieves are scoping out properties – waiting to strike.

The Mercury caught up with residents at the Community Hub in Moorland and several said they had spotted people in cars acting suspiciously at night.

One resident said they had seen cars slowing down outside homes at night. They went outside to investigate and when the people in the car saw they had been spotted, they sped off.

Kate Symonds, who takes over as the Village Agent soon, said: “Others have had items stolen while they were drying outside their homes.

“Thieving is bad enough, but to target people who have been left with practically nothing and are now trying to build their lives again is disgusting.”

Moorland resident John Griffin said he is concerned that in a few weeks thieves will descend on the village to rip out copper piping and wiring.

He said: “At the moment the village is a ghost town. There are a few residents living here and we are watching, but I’m concerned there will be a problem soon.”

Sergeant Elaine Linham said: “Police are in Moorland and Fordgate and have been working out of the village hub, doing property marking with residents and listening to concerns.

“We have not been made aware of the incidents mentioned. We have circulated regular newsletters with contact numbers for the relevant officers, which I would urge people to call to report any suspicious activity. Alternatively call 101.”

The police contacts for Moorland and Fordgate are:

PC 2663 Rob Jacobs, beat manager, 07717701683

PCSO 7196 Becky Riley, 07825103286

Additional numbers:

PCSO 7528 Laura Bray 07825125099

PCSO 7322 Helen Whitehead 07717868189

PCSO 8044 Georgina Long 07825125112

To email, put the officer’s collar number at the start of @avonandsomersetpolice.co.uk