The career criminal was killed when he raided Richard Osborn-Brooks' home, confronting the OAP before being stabbed during a struggle.
The 37-year-old’s family have now engaged in a war of flowers with residents, as they try to create a makeshift shrine to the burglar.
Tributes have been trashed four times in two days outside Osborn-Brooks’ home in south east London.
Now cops who are standing guard are said to have told neighbours that anyone who hacks down the flowers again faces arrest for “breach of the peace”.
One of the vigilantes, known as Mike, told the Sun: “You'd think the coppers would have better things to do.
"We've been warned that if we do take them down again they will nick us so it's a bit trickier.
"There's a copper standing right next to the fence keeping an eye on the flowers.
"It's in case the travellers come down at the same time but they haven't yet."
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The tributes were pulled down for the fourth time today by Iain Gordon, who tried to rip the head off a teddy bear.
It came after dramatic images showed a hooded man tearing down a bunch of flowers from outside the OAP’s home last night.
Some bouquets were left untouched but a vigilante pulled the rest to the pavement this afternoon.
Iain blasted: "You've got scumbags coming around here with f***ing toys, coming down here with their f***ing toys.
"Get rid of all the people that are not human beings. Put them on another planet."
Heartbroken friends of Vincent believe they have a right to lay flowers 20 yards from the break-in.
Last night they branded Osborn-Brooks, 78, a coward and vowed to return to the home every day to replace the messages to “Henryboy”.
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The Metropolitan Police urged vigilantes to show respect and leave the flowers alone.
A force spokesman said: "We have a responsibility to provide reassurance to local residents so they can go about their daily lives, while also respecting the wishes of family and friends to mark the loss of a loved one.
"While the location and nature of floral tributes is generally not a matter for police, our officers are providing support both to residents and those who are mourning.
"We do not want anyone to feel intimidated or that they are not being allowed to respond in a dignified way to a tragic death.
"A small police presence remains in place in and around South Park Crescent to provide reassurance to the public.
"We urge members of the public to respect the wishes of those who choose to place flowers and other tributes in the area.
"Officers will assess any potential offences or allegations made to police."
Osborn-Brooks was originally held on suspicion of murder but released with no further action.
He and his wife are currently hiding out in a police safe house after receiving chilling death threats vowing “revenge” against him.
Vincent's alleged accomplice, Billy Jeeves, 28, got away and has not yet been found.
Police are hunting the 28-year-old after his white Vauxhall Astra van was found burnt out and destroyed over the weekend in Orpington, Kent.