Neighbours whose homes have been targeted by 'brazen thieves' stealing tools from their garden sheds ended up combining their efforts to petition for action over the crimes.

Since September, there have been 58 burglaries reported to Kent Police from sheds, garages and commercial premises across West Malling and Leybourne prompting residents' calls.

Having been a victim twice himself, James Barrow from London Road started a petition which was backed by more than 500 people calling for tougher efforts to tackle the crime.

Mr Barrow, 41, said: "We have lived in West Malling for about 10 years and we have never had an issue until recently.

"We had some items stolen in the new year and then on April 28 we got broken into again. They took a drill and screwdrivers but the surprising thing was we got the whole thing on CCTV.

"It’s quite frightening to see someone walking around in your garden. I have three children and you feel less safe.

"When I started the petition I was pleasantly surprised by the response."

Nextdoor to Mr Barrow is Kyrsty Page who signed the petition after golf clubs and a hedge trimmer were taken from her shed.

The incident happened shortly after midnight on April 28.

The 36-year-old said: "It feels like every single day on the Facebook group someone is saying there's been an incident.

"They are just being so brazen because they have been getting away with it for so long.

"Before last summer we didn't have cameras, we always felt safe until now."

Dan Mortimer's home on Roughetts Road was targeted earlier this month.

The thief was captured on CCTV looking through his shed's window and examining the padlock on the door.

Mr Mortimer, 43, said: "Nothing was taken but there have been so many incidents.

"The worst thing for me is that my little boy is scared now.

"I could suffer the loss of stuff but this is our home and we are supposed to feel safe."

"Before last summer we didn't have cameras, we always felt safe until now."

Now, a 16-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of burglary and is currently bailed pending further enquiries until June 4. Two other men have also been arrested in connection with other incidents in the area.

Inspector Lizzie Jones, of the Tonbridge and Malling Community Safety Unit, added: "We know all too well just how devastating burglaries can be and these crimes often have a profound and long-lasting impact on victims.

"I would like to reassure residents that our focus is on identifying and catching those responsible and only recently we arrested three men in connection with a number of offences. We are working hard to build a successful case around these suspects.

"Every single burglary report is fully reviewed, with a view to checking all lines of enquiry including possible CCTV evidence and forensic clues.

"During recent months we have also used covert patrols in some of the affected areas and deployed high visibility patrols during the day. Enforcement action which will continue in the coming months.

"It is important to remember most burglars are opportunistic and often just making your home look occupied, for example by using time switches on lights, is enough to prevent a criminal targeting a property.

"We want to help prevent residents becoming victims of theft and this includes providing advice at local events led by our police community support officers, who have also been handing out free shed alarms to help protect property.

"We also hosted another day which saw PCSOs visiting parts of West Malling, assisted by wardens from Kent County Council."

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