Car owners are being reminded to keep their vehicles locked and alarmed after a spate of thefts.

Thieves have been targetting vehicles across Medway, particularly in Rochester, Borstal and Strood.

A number of victims have posted CCTV on local Facebook groups to share their concerns.

CCTV of a thief on a scooter looking in cars in borstal

In Merryfields, Strood, residents have set up a 20-member-strong WhatsApp group and are trying to create a neighbourhood watch group to keep informed about the car thefts.

Maxine Shepherd of Chequers Court created the group after her car was targeted on April 8 and May 17.

She said: "First the culprit tried my car door handle and looked around my gate to see if that is open.

"On the 17th of May, the culprit tried the car door handle again.

"He used a crow bar to try and get into my garden gate and I found a boot print where he kicked the garage door.

"He went over to my neighbour's house and broke the lock off of his motor bike and wheeled past my house.

"I shouted at him and he left the bike and ran off up the road."

CCTV set up by Barry Thain of Albany Road, Rochester, captured a man targetting cars on the road five times between Sunday, May 12, and May 31.

Mr Thain said: "He’s relentless.

"I had a visit last night from a police officer dealing with this. He’s taken a USB with my CCTV clips.

CCTV of a theft in Warden Street, Borstal

"He’s going to see if they know this guy and I’ve also got a friend who is traffic police who’s walking up and down my road when he’s on nights.

"So we're getting some progress."

Police say inquiries into Mr Thain's report are ongoing.

Tracy, who has asked her surname is not included, caught a man trying to get into her car multiple times on CCTV.

The mum who lives in Warden Road, Rochester, said: "In November he stole £240 out of my purse that I left in glove box, when I was taking my dog out.

"I just got distracted and forgot to lock the door.

"Then he came back in March, again two weeks ago, and last week on Wednesday and Thursday.

"I have CCTV and it's the same guy each time.

"He's so brazen about it.

"My husband and I have thought about waiting up for him but he always comes at around 3am to 4am.

"I have work in the morning, I can't be up all night.

"He seems to have a tool to get the car door open."

Another Warden Road resident, who has asked to remain anonymous, has had her car broken into six times since Wednesday, May 15, always between 3am and 4am.

She said: "I installed CCTV in the beginning of May after my car was broken into in April.

"I am 100% sure five times it was the same guy. He is not scared of CCTV at all but he also seems to be targetting the same cars.

"He always tries to open my car and does not even look at cars parked next to mine."

Police have confirmed they are investigating several reports in Warden Road.

In neighbouring village Borstal, Mick, who lives in St Matthews Drive, spotted a man on a scooter attempting to enter his car, the latest being on Thursday, May 16.

He said: "I've had police round twice and left them a phone message, because I have been told the culprits name, address and everything they needed to know.

"I have CCTV and it's the same guy each time. He's so brazen about it..." - Tracy, from Rochester

"I got him twice on camera at my house, but nothing was taken.

"I'm awaiting a call back from the police from Friday and still waiting for forensics for my mate's car that was robbed three weeks ago.

"I might pick the bloke up myself and deliver him.

"He’s done my road three times that we know of, always at 3am to 4am."

Police spokesman Steve Knight said: "Officers attended and carried out a thorough search of the local area but were unable to trace the person responsible."

Sergeant Briony Woolley of the Medway Community Safety Unit, said: "While we are not aware of any recent increase in the number of vehicle crimes in the Rochester area, we do recognise the impact such offences have on victims and investigate all incidents reported to us.

"Our advice to residents is to always lock and alarm your vehicles and ensure any valuables are removed overnight.

"Good quality CCTV can also help us to locate those responsible when offences do occur.

"Victims are encouraged to report all incidents to us by calling 101"

"This will help us to determine which areas may benefit from extra patrols."

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