A WOMAN has been left “living in fear” in her own home after a second attempted break-in in just months.

Doorbell footage from the woman’s home revealed a masked man attempted to use a chisel-like tool to force entry as she slept in the early hours of yesterday.

The woman, who has asked to remain anonymous over fears of being targeted again, fears home break-ins are becoming common place where she lives in Mount Road, Wickford.

Similar footage from outside her home showed a masked thug attempting to break-into her home in December as well, and the woman is now petrified of further attempts.

She said: “The CCTV footage is absolutely shocking.

“We are living in fear, I can’t believe this has happened for a second time.”

The woman claims she was told by police that someone has been arrested as part of the investigation into the first attempted break-in, but fears a group of opportunist thieves are targeting the area.

She said: “I didn’t expect this to happen again, it has happened three times in recent years.

“Those are only the incidents that we are aware of, we have had a ring doorbell for 14 months and we just don’t know how many times our locks have been tried and tested.

“In the footage, it looks like they have a hammer to prise the door open with, it was closer to a chisel.

“Attempted break-ins are part of life - it is visible to everyone and everyone in the area.”

Both recent incidents have been reported to Essex Police and the woman has urged anyone else in the area who has been targeted to contact the force as well.

The prior break-in attempt in December was part of a number of incidents that hit Wickford, with attempted burglaries affecting Mount Road, Beauchamps Drive and Long Meadow Drive.

The victim added: “Though I am a victim, I think they target us because they like our cars and the cars on this street, we should be privileged to think we have something they want so badly.”

Essex Police have been contacted for comment.