A MOTHER-of-five whose home has been burgled three times in less than six months claims she has been "victimised" after installing security cameras.

Susan Smith says Elgar Housing Association has sent two officers to her house, in Clare Road, to warn her about four CCTV units and two security lights on the premises.

"They said I needed permission to put them up," said 34-year-old Mrs Smith.

"But I've been burgled three times in five months and I've refused to take down my security equipment.

"I want to know why I need permission, but my neighbour is allowed seven or eight plastic squirrels and butterflies fixed to the front of his house and there are also lots of homes here with Sky satellite dishes or hanging baskets on them.

"When I pointed this out to the woman from Elgar Housing Association she said that wasn't the point.

"I feel I'm being victimised. It's just not fair."

Mrs Smith, who has written to the housing association complaining about its stance, said burglars who raided her home had stolen jewellery and electrical goods.

Twice thieves have also broken into a shed and made off with gardening equipment, she added, while a lorry belonging to her husband, Pete, had been ransacked after it was parked outside the house in Clare Road.

A spokeswoman for Elgar Housing Association confirmed staff had visited the property "in connection with lighting and other equipment, which had been erected outside the home".

"The association is continuing to investigate the matter," she said.

According to Malvern Hills District Council, residents do not normally need permission to put up cameras, unless a property is a listed building.

However, it depends on the size of the security equipment, as well as how high up the CCTV system is installed.