Chesham: Man left 'scared' after Boxing Day attack on home

The Chesham home of Mark Allen, 58, was damaged after an attack on Boxing Day last year.

Mr Allen, who lives alone with his three-year-old pug Harry, says his health has deteriorated since the incident on December 26, which left his Harries Close home boarded-up for more than a month.  

He said: “Someone nearly ran over my dog, and I had a row with some of the lads, and they came back and smashed up my windows. It was very scary.

"They told me they would kill my dog and burn my house down. 

“Paradigm came in, and said nothing can be done except to board it up.

How Mark Allen's home has looked for weeks (Image: Mark Allen)

“My pipes were frozen because draft is getting in, and I told I need it done asap.

“I’ve got a cold, they’ve given me heaters but they’re not doing anything.

“I can’t keep living like this, I suffer from depression and anxiety." 

He was offered alternative accommodation, but leaving his home unattended for fear of another attack wasn’t an option, Mr Allen said.

“I said I’m not going there, I’ve got my little dog.

“You can push the board in and get in,” he explained.

For weeks, Mr Allen has slept downstairs with Harry to keep guard, but his “anxiety’s going through the roof at the moment."

Last week builders came in to re-board the front door so can use it as he continues to wait for the repairs.

A spokesperson for Paradigm Housing said: “We were made aware of the smashed glass of the window and door on December 26 and secured the property on December 27, within our 24-hour emergency repairs standard.

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“On 20 January, we went out to measure for replacement glass and re-boarded the property as the customer had complained about the draught. The glass for the windows is ready to be fitted at the customer’s convenience and we have been in contact with them about this. We are awaiting delivery of the glazing for the door, and this will be booked as soon as it is in stock. The door, frame, and two window units have been referred to be replaced.

Thames Valley Police spokesperson confirmed the force received a call around 8pm on Boxing Day after three Asian men had smashed the glass of a front door at a property on Harries Close and fled the scene.

They said: "Officers attended and the victim told them about an altercation earlier that day with a man outside his house as they thought he was driving too fast.

"Following an investigation, the report was filed pending further information coming to light."