DARTFORD: Extra police patrols are diverted to area

FED up neighbours around West Hill have spoken out about the increasing levels of crime on their streets.

The News Shopper has been called by more than a dozen residents detailing a catalogue of abuse, vandalism and criminal damage.

Police have upped patrols in the area and now focus more on west Dartford as a crime hotspot than Temple Hill.

Many householders we spoke to are afraid to be identified in case it leads to reprisals.

But 63-year-old Brian Shields, who ran a youth club in Broomhill Road for 10 years, said: "Kids need to be told they can't run riot."

Mr Shields, of Dartford Road, added: "Walls are smashed down, cars get scratched and their wing mirrors ripped off. We need more of a police presence along here."

Another Dartford Road resident, Ronnie Rogers, 51, says she now reports every incident to the police.

She said: "Younger gangs, of about 13 to 15-year-olds, hang about in the evening and later on, when the town's pubs and clubs close, hundreds of people come this way causing trouble."

Four weeks ago, we reported police were trying to stamp out youth crime in Dartford town centre. But West Hill residents fear this will force trouble-makers into their area, especially on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.

Sergeant Rod Chapman of North Kent Police said: "We are aware of an increase in criminal damage, thefts from cars and vandalism in the area.

"It now has one of the highest rates of crime in Dartford and we are moving our focus away from other areas as the figures dictate."

On a weekend night, three or more patrol cars could be used in West Hill as part of the police's "default tasking". This means those not on other emergency calls will be patrolling the area.

Gundulf ward councillor Deborah Stoate says she has not been made aware of any specific problems but is "delighted" police are taking action.