A Dover taxi driver claims a lack of street lighting has led to many car crimes in the area.

Paul Barrett, of Westbury Road, was a victim of car vandalism when his Renault Clio was smashed in an overnight attack on Friday, September 18.

Many others have experienced similar crimes since then, he said – and he blames the dark streets.

Mr Barrett said: “It just seems like too much of a coincidence. They turn street lights off and all of a sudden people are getting their cars smashed up. I understand the need for saving money but it’s costing people like me. I had to pay £75 excess and my car was out for a couple of days.”

Mr Barrett, 57, said the council and police need to take action.

He said: “I worry that in time it’s not just going to be cars that get damaged.”

He says there is just one light in his street and other streets in Dover are in complete darkness.

On Saturday night, Peter Wright from Dover was another victim of car crime. His vehicle was parked in Goschen Road and was broken into, the radio ripped out and the vehicle ransacked.

"I understand the need for saving money but it’s costing people like me." - Mr Barrett

He said: “They took half a dozen CDs, my float which was left in the glove box, and a money clip with £60. With no street lights it’s a licence to thieve.”

Dave Doherty, of Tower Hamlets Road, had his car windscreen smashed in De Burgh Street overnight on Saturday, November 7, when the lights were off.

Kent County Council, which is responsible for the lights going off, said people can make their issues known as part of the 10-week consultation on street lighting. A KCC spokesman said: “We are aware that some people have concerns about part-night lighting, in particular that it may lead to an increase in crime or the fear of crime.

“We have been working very closely with Kent Police, who have analysed their records and stated that they have found no correlation between crime rates and changes to street lighting.

“Kent residents and businesses are currently being asked for their views on options for street lighting across the county – on whether they would prefer the current level of service provided by part-night lighting, or all-night lighting.

“This is a 10-week consultation which will help inform a new street lighting policy. People are being asked to respond by visiting www.kent.gov.uk/streetlights and completing the online consultation questionnaire.”

The deadline is Sunday, November 29.