Residents on a close-knit street say they are on "high alert" following a spate of break-ins and crime.
New Bold in St Helens has been hit by several break-ins in the past week, including the theft of a motorbike and petrol allegedly being siphoned from a car and replaced with milk - resulting in the car having to be towed away. Those living on the usually quiet street now fear their homes could be targeted next.
One resident living on Lotus Gardens told the ECHO: "I've been here since the houses were built, around 20 years ago and there has never been anything like this. It's normally quiet.
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"When you hear of it happening on other estates and things it's bad but it's different when it's right on your doorstep."
A neighbour living on the neighbouring street, Crocus Gardens, said the community is on high alert following the wave of crime. She told the ECHO: "I think we're all a bit on edge at the minute, it's like the estate is on high alert. Anyone that walks down towards my house, I'm thinking 'who is that?'"
An elderly man living on the estate believes he was targeted by would-be scammers pretending to be from a charity. He said: "The man knocked on my door claiming to be from a charity, but he didn't have any ID and was wanting me to give him details, that matches some of the stories I've heard from people who've been targeted.
"My wife has been in the hospital and we don't need the stress. One of our neighbours made sure I was okay and took me to see my wife."
There have been many similar incidents reported in a community Facebook group over the past few days, including one person claiming their home was broken into and motorbike stolen through the front window. Another claims petrol was siphoned from their car and replaced with milk, that had also been stolen from someone's doorstep.
A spokesperson for Merseyside Police said: "We have arrested a 23-year-old woman from Clock Face on suspicion of handling stolen goods following a reported burglary in St Helens.
"At around 6.30am on Wednesday 8 February, it was reported that a property on Lotus Gardens had been broken into and a motorbike had been stolen.
"Our enquiries are ongoing into this incident and would appeal for anyone with information to get in touch by sending a DM to @MerPolCC quoting reference 23000112400, calling 101 or contacting Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."
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