A businessowner was told police could investigate a series of car part thefts because it was raining.

Thieves targeted companies on the Harrietsham Industrial Estate on Friday night, making off with at a number of catalytic converters.

Exclusive Glazing Ltd and neighbour Mowtastic were among the businesses affected, with the latter being told by police that - because it was raining - there would be no forensics and so they wouldn't attend.

Kent Police has since responded to a social media post about the incident, and will be reviewing CCTV tomorrow.

At least seven vehicles were reportedly targeted by the thieves.

A spokeswoman for Exclusive Glazing Ltd, whose business is based in Ashford and Harrietsham, said: "For us, a couple of vans and a car were hit.

"It's frustrating that the police are aware this is happening and pretty annoying we have to take to social media to get a response.

"One of the van doors needs to be replaced as it was crowbarred to get into the vehicle, and we haven't yet got quotes for the converters.

"Our customers are very important to us so it's a really annoying thing to happen." - Exclusive Glazing Ltd spokeswoman

"The problem with this is with a business like ours we're scheduled weeks in advance - it not only affects us but there are customers who'll have prepared their house for all their windows and doors to be replaced.

"For us to have to say 'Sorry but they've stolen our catalytic converters so we can't come' is really frustrating for both of us.

"Luckily we have a spare van but if we didn't we'd have been unable to work until the part is replaced.

"It creates upset customers due to the criminal activity of others. Our customers are very important to us so it's a really annoying thing to happen."

A Kent Police spokesman said: "Kent Police is investigating a report of vehicle interference at a premises in Station Road, Harrietsham, between 7.55pm and 8.30pm on Friday, November 15.

"Two catalytic convertors are reported to have been stolen from parked vehicles and another vehicle is reported to have sustained damage to do its bodywork.

"At present no suspects have been identified and enquiries to establish the full circumstances are ongoing."

Friday's incident comes just a month after police issued a warning following a spate of catalytic converter thefts.

Last month, even a hospital was affected by the crime.

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