A father has been forced to install CCTV at his family’s home amid crime fears as metal thieves target the nearby M6.

James Sargent has spent up to £1,000 on the system following concerns thieves use his garden as an escape route and could strike at his property in Walsall.

The motorway has been hit by metal thefts which has seen the fourth lane unable to open for days because signals have been damaged.

Mr Sargent lives with his wife Tracey and three-year-old daughter Francesca in Crompton Close which backs onto the M6. He says he has seen suspected thieves on numerous occasions.

His conifer trees have been damaged by those climbing over fencing to escape with copper. Mr Sargent has now installed four cameras around his property due to fears his home could also become a target due to its location.

The 39-year-old signalling engineer said: “They chuck it over the fence right in front of my property. It puts you on edge and makes you think if they are coming out on a job to pinch cable, and can’t get it, they will be attracted to my property.”

A six foot high fence was installed down the embankment but Mr Sargent wants the Highways Agency to replace it with a 12ft high one.

West Midlands Police have been investigating metal thefts on the M6. Chief Inspector Carl Flynn, manager of the Central Motorway Police Group, said: “We have had instances where people have gained access to the motorway, or areas alongside the carriageway, to tamper with cabling.

“This is a serious matter, as it not only is a serious arrestable offence but it also could place lives at risk by affecting overhead signage and lighting on the motorway.

“Six people are currently on bail in connection with an inquiry where suspicious activity was reported alongside the M6 near junction 10 last month.”

Highways Agency spokeswoman Jo Carroll said: “We take Mr and Mrs Sargent’s concerns seriously and a representative from our contractors met with them in early December to discuss the issue.”