A camera has been installed at a block of flats in Snodland after a mum repeatedly found her locks had been glued up, leaving her stranded outside with her baby.

In the past month, Lauren Willcox has been targeted nine times at her home in Booth Close.

On six of those occasions she was indoors – meaning the pair have been stuck indoors, unable to go out – but three times she has been left waiting outside for a locksmith with one-year-old Michael.

The most recent incident was last Thursday evening, when the 26-year-old returned from taking her son to the park.

Mrs Willcox, who has lived in the block for five years without any problems, said: “When I found out it had happened again I had to get a bus to my mum’s house in Larkfield to give Michael his tea and bath him and put him to bed.

“Other times it has happened when I have come home from food shopping.

“Sometimes it has happened while I’m inside, which means I can get out, but can’t lock the door so I’m effectively stuck inside.”

The stay-at-home mum believes it is someone she knows, with a grudge, but police have so far been unable to find out who is responsible.

Now, after pleading with her housing association, Southern Housing Group, a camera has now been installed outside her home in a bid to deter the culprits.

Mrs Willcox added: “It’s just not fair on Michael. He gets distressed.

“It takes up to three hours for someone to come out to change the locks each time and I just feel enough is enough now.”

Chris Harris, customer services director at Southern Housing Group, said: “We work hard to minimise the impact that anti-social behaviour has on our customers and local staff are carrying out thorough investigations on the cause of the repeated lock damage.

"We will do everything in our power to try to resolve this issue as soon as possible.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Kent Police on 01622 604100 quoting crime reference YY/022898/17.