RESIDENTS are calling for lanes between their Newport houses to be blocked off as they claim yobs and criminals are using them as escape routes.

The call for action in the lanes in Maindee comes after a car was dumped there following a police chase on Friday.

A 17-year-old was arrested in connection with the incident and was later released on police bail as investigations continue.

Residents claim the lanes, which run between streets off Chepstow Road, are attracting criminals.

Byron Jones, of Rochester Road, said: "There's quite a bit of crime that happens in and around the lanes.

"I have reported a number of incidents to the police. Cars and homes are vandalised and the lanes are used as an escape route.

"Constantly we are having car windows put through, then they hide in the lanes. They also use them to dump stolen cars and items.

"I have put up CCTV cameras to catch them, and for the last six to eight months I have been campaigning for gates to block the lanes.

"Something has to be done."

After a recent community meeting about the situation local councillors called on the police and community safety partnership to take action.

Beechwood councillor David Hando said: "The Beechwood ward councillors have supported the campaign and referred it to the police. We are awaiting a response from the community safety partnership.

"The issue was raised at a community meeting and received a lot of support for the proposal to block off the lanes apart from access for residents.

"The lanes seem to be an escape route for youngsters involved in criminal behaviour. There has been vandalism of both houses and vehicles in nearby streets. Residents have found needles in the lanes, and there have even been claims they are used for prostitution.

"We have suggested one set of gates be installed as an experiment."

Inspector Rod Grindlay, from Gwent Police, said: "We acknowledge the residents' concerns.

"The ward officer will be liaising with the CADRO and Community Safety Partnership to look into this."