Thieves have been targeting a car park in a village drilling holes in fuel tanks to steal petrol.

Over the last few months there have been a spate of thefts at the site in Upper Upnor causing thousands of pounds worth of damage in repairs.

The gang has also posed a fire risk in the wooded area as they have on occasion spilled large amounts of petrol.

Firefighters have been called to clear the site three times in three weeks this year using a putty type mud to prevent the fuel from igniting.

Among those affected are customers at the Kings Arms which is opposite the car park.

Landlord Rob Strudwick said: "They are basically stranded. They can't go anywhere without calling out a mechanic. We have some people who usually come in once a week we haven't now seen for months, police and fire have both been called here."

The suspects have been seen arriving in a dark saloon car, opening the boot and loitering around the car park

Mr Strudwick added: "Some arrests were made and it seemed to stop for a while, but then somebody else got done."

Sacha Taylor, spokesman for Kent Fire and Rescue Service, said the first call was received on January 21, followed by a second on January 30.

The last call-out was on February 9. All incidents happened between around 5pm and 7pm.

She said details were passed on to police.

Police spokesman, Nicola Forman, said: "We were called to reports of criminal damage to vehicle in a car park in Upnor, Rochester on 9 February.

"It was reported that the fuel tank had been drilled into. Kent Fire and Rescue service also attended to deal with the fuel spillage.

No suspects have so far been identified but anyone with information should call police on 01634 792209 quoting reference XY/007982/18.