There have been other incidents of vandalism and arson in Coulsdon in recent weeks.

Sergeant Mark Thompson, who is in charge of beat officers in Cousldon, said he was aware of the problem. "I will be asking for more officers for this area."

A spokesman for Croydon Council said it had a bid for CCTV in Croydon recently rejected by the Home Office. She said the Home Office prioritised areas and deemed Coulsdon a low crime area.