AN EARLY morning ram-raid, a vicious mugging and a brutal robbery in less than a fortnight have tarnished a seaside town's reputation as a safe retirement retreat.

Following the mini crimewave, anxious residents and traders are calling for police patrols to be stepped up on the Highcliffe-on-Sea's normally tranquil streets and more CCTV cameras to capture criminals on film.

Computer shop owners Louise and Ian Dymond were called to their Lymington Road premises on Friday morning following a 3.50 am ram-raid. "We never expected something like this to happen in sleepy Highcliffe, where our customers tend to be silver surfers," said Louise.

"Our security camera shows a car waiting on a pathway before deliberately reversing into the shop door.

"It was well planned and they took £5,000 worth of computers and laptops, even unplugging them during the raid which took less than a minute. I'm really angry because we have worked so hard to build up the business."

Louise added: "We are not the only ones concerned by the rising crime in Highcliffe and we want to warn other people of the new dangers on our streets.

"We need a much greater police presence here and CCTV cameras in this part of the village to act as a deterrent."

Just a week earlier, 64-year-old Diane Burton, who lives opposite Highcliffe police station, was the victim of a mugging in her own back yard.

She said: "I had just parked my car and was closing the gates when someone attacked me, pinning me against the wall and spraying a substance in my eyes.

"It was terrifying. He tried to take my rings, but I managed to put up a fight, screaming until he ran off and bolted over my six-foot gates."

Diane, who lives above her antiques shop, said: "You'd think I'd feel safe, being opposite the police station, but there's never anyone there. We need extra protection."

Just five days earlier, a man living in nearby Wortley Road was attacked by two intruders when he answered his door.

The victim was tied up while items, including jewellery, were stolen by the robbers who fled in his car. The vehicle was later recovered.

Christchurch patrol sergeant David Honeyman said: "Clearly we are concerned about these incidents and urge residents to contact us if they can help with our investigations.

"Two males, in a dark coloured hatchback, broke into the computer shop. Part of the registration number was M793 and that should ring a bell with someone if they are offered Apple, Hewlett Packard or Ager computers.

"The man involved in the mugging was a white European, 5 ft 8 ins tall with a proportionate build and dark clothing including a black woollen hat and scarf.

"We regularly patrol Highcliffe, which is covered by Christchurch at night, and if there is an on-going problem we will target specific areas.

"From last week Highcliffe has a new home beat officer PC 2125 Justin Clarke. Residents can discuss their concerns with him if they phone 01202 222222."