A MAN whose house was ransacked while his wife lay sick in a hospital bed today pledged to defend his York property - by any means.

Ian Hood is warning would-be thieves that he keeps a samurai sword at his Bell Farm home and will use "any means possible" to keep out intruders.

But police urged people on the estate to keep calm and work with officers to help reduce crime.

Residents have suffered a spate of raids on their houses in recent weeks, leading Mr Hood, to refer to it as "Bosnia with grass".

In Tuesday's Evening Press, we reported how other residents had spoken out, warning whoever was behind the burglaries to stop - or face the consequences.

Now Mr Hood fears the estate will descend into violence very shortly, unless the culprit is flushed out.

The Bell Farm Avenue man claimed he would be "first in line" to take revenge on the person who burgled his house.

"Many properties have been burgled in this area," he said. "Bell Farm to me is like Bosnia with grass.

"My house was burgled while my wife was in hospital with a kidney infection. Whoever did it took jewellery and watches. That was a month ago, but the police have still not made a case.

"If they're not prepared to do anything then vigilante action is the only course. I will take that action myself. I will be first in line.

"The estate is on the brink, it's going to crack shortly. I think there's going to be some real violence soon.

"I have a samurai sword in my house and I will defend myself and my property by any means possible.

"I will take the consequences in court. God help the first person who steps into my property."

York Police Inspector Ken Gill has already warned against any vigilante action.

Today he said: "Vigilante action is a dangerous course to go down. People can be hounded on rumour and speculation."

Detective Chief Inspector Steve Barlow added: "We are aware there have been a series of burglaries in this area which we will not tolerate.

"A lot of the burglaries are due to insecure windows and doors, although a number have had forced entry.

"We need the public to work with the police to reduce these crimes. It has always been the case that the majority of crimes are detected due to information provided by the public and this is no different.

"Anyone who has information identifying the persons responsible for these burglaries or disposal of the stolen property should ring York CID on (01904) 631321.

"Be assured that the police are currently working with their partners and the public to try and reduce crime in this area.

"It is our stated intention to put persistent burglars in prison for long periods using the legislation that the Government has made available."

Ward councillor Ken King also urged calm. "I can understand anyone who is upset, but I hope people will be patient and co-operate with the authorities," he said.

"That's the only way we can get rid of undesirables on the estate. I want to assure everyone that if we can prove individuals on the estate are taking part in these activities, the council will do whatever it can to remove them."

Updated: 15:26 Thursday, October 04, 2001