A spate of garage and garden shed break-ins, stolen pet dogs and the continued incidence of phone scams, were highlighted by PCSO Kate Richards in her monthly report to Tenterden Town Council last night (Monday, 8 March).
- Bikes, mowers, sports equipment, power tools and garden equipment were the top five most favoured items stored in sheds and targeted by thieves, and PCSO Richards urged residents to install robust security measures on doors and hinges.
- Dog thieves now have a new tactic, patrolling the area with a white van with RSPCA stickers, and convincing owners to hand over their pets, and…….
- Latest scams include telephone calls, allegedly from Amazon, demanding payment of £79.99 in exchange for deliveries; callers insisting on pre-payment for Covid vaccinations; and crooks phoning to tell residents that their house has been put in the wrong council tax band, and offering a service to resolve the issue – for £160 + VAT .
PCSO Richards reiterated that Tenterden remains a low-crime town, but urged vigilance against these opportunistic crimes
Residents wishing to report a crime should visit www.kent.police.uk to report it online, phone 101, or – in emergency only – call 999.