Police have urged residents to report anyone illegally trying to open their door following claims of attempted break-ins in Swadlincote.

It comes after residents of Brookdale Road and Union Road took to social media to warn neighbours after allegedly seeing someone trying to open their door at night.

Chantelle Johnson, 29, of Brookdale Road, said she was so concerned for the safety of her family she was set to move house away from the road.

The mother-of-two said: "There have been doors and gates being tried on Brookdale Road as a few people, including mine, had ours tried in the same night.

"It's not very nice. I have two young kids and it's scary.

"I have actually been moved up a band by the council to move off the estate as it's not doing my anxiety any good."

Lorraine Tipper, 62, who lives on Union Road, said she noticed something was wrong when she woke up and saw her gate had been left open.

She said: "It is very frightening as my husband passed away six weeks ago so I'm the only person in the house.

"I have two dogs that will bark and hopefully people will be put off.

"It's a horrible feeling that I'm not safe in my own home.

"Swadlincote is getting so bad that I'm afraid to go out alone.

"I set off to walk my dogs last night but only got a few yards before I turned back and came home.

"People shouldn't have to be afraid to leave their home."

Derbyshire police has asked anyone concerned about someone trying to enter their home to report it to police on 101.

A spokesman for Derbyshire Constabulary said: "If somebody has made an attempt to unlawfully enter your home, even if it is unsuccessful, please always inform us.

"This is the kind of information we definitely need to know."

People can do this through any of the following non-emergency contact methods:

Facebook – send a private message to /DerbyshireConstabulary

Twitter – direct message the contact centre on @DerPolContact

Website – complete the online contact form www.derbyshire.police.uk/Contact-Us.

Phone – call police on 101.

You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.