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Concern after spate of car thefts in Riverview Park, Gravesend

05:00, 04 January 2022

updated: 15:24, 04 January 2022

Residents are living in fear after a string of car thefts and break-ins on an estate.

Lorna - who lives in Riverview Park, Gravesend - has raised concerns after she saw countless incidents reported on social media almost daily.

Lorna is one resident who is becoming concerned after multiple cars were broken into and stolen. Picture: Lorna
Lorna is one resident who is becoming concerned after multiple cars were broken into and stolen. Picture: Lorna

The 57-year-old, who asked us not to use her surname, said: "It it just common place but this area seems to be really targeted. When my son comes in I ask if he has locked his vehicles. It is worrying. It is nearly every day.

"I am very concerned about what is going on around here. It has got to the point where l wake up and check that my car is still on the drive before doing anything else.

"In the present climate, and the increase in struggling families, it is a disgrace that someone can come and take away what others have worked so hard for.

"I appreciate it has been a dreadful couple of years but it is still a massive issue."

Although some residents have reported the incidents to the police others have not and instead taken to Facebook community groups in a bid to appeal for information.

Riverview Park has been experiencing a spate of car thefts. Picture: Google
Riverview Park has been experiencing a spate of car thefts. Picture: Google

There were around six reports on the social media page in one week in the past month, with thefts reported in Whitehill Lane, Bonaventure Court, Marling Way and Whinfell Way.

Gravesham councillor Derek Ashenden (Con), who represents Riverview ward, said residents had not reported the incidents to him directly but he had become aware of them through social media.

He said: "It is a concern, obviously. There seems to be spates of them but it is sporadic.

"Residents should report it to the police so there is a pattern that builds up. We have also got a very active PCSO. It is difficult if they do not report it.

"Overall, Riverview has a really low crime rate in comparison to the rest of Gravesham so when there is something, it becomes a big thing because it is unusual."

Power tools have been stolen from a locked boot, cars have been taken from driveways and there have been multiple break-ins in the early hours of the morning between December 13 to 20.

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