Tonbridge residents given help by police to stop being victims of crime

Officers in West Kent have been providing members of the public with merchandise to help prevent them from becoming a victim of crime.

To help tackle vehicle crime across Sevenoaks, Tonbridge and Malling, Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells, officers have been distributing UV marker pens and sat nav dusters to help deter thieves. 

Following a number of thefts of tools from vehicles in the Lenham area in recent weeks, officers have also been working with tradesmen to ensure they protectively mark their tools, so the police can return them to their rightful owner should tools be recovered if lost or stolen.

As part of Operation Castle, a burglary and vehicle crime operation across Kent, officers are also recommending vehicle owners consider protecting their catalytic converters. 

Theft of a catalytic converter can cost car or van owners thousands of pounds in repairs, or even loss of trade due to the vehicle being off the road. 

Drivers should put their vehicles in garages whenever possible and vans should be parked in a way that makes underneath access more difficult. 

There are security items readily available on the market to help protect catalytic converters such as forensic marking, etching packs, security cages, clamps, cables and alarms.

Chief Inspector Lee Russell from Kent Police explained: "We have been providing members of the public with free advice packs and merchandise such as shed alarms, forensic marking kits and timer switches, and we would advise as many people as possible to invest in these simple and affordable security products to reduce the risk of becoming a victim of crime. 

"There are a variety of crime prevention products on the market which help build a layer of security and make life more difficult for thieves. 

"Offenders look for easy targets and by marking and protecting your property, you will reduce the risk of your belongings being targeted."

Crime prevention guides are available to download from the Kent Police website, and residents can also contact their local police community support officer for further information.