A mayor has demanded the Crime Commissioner and police area commander attend a public meeting following a spate of burglaries.

Cllr Neil Rix has counted up 23 burglaries of businesses in Dover in six weeks.

But police admit the figure is 39 for attempted and actual raids.

Cllr Rix's letter to Kent Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Scott said: "There is a very strong feeling among both businesses and residents in Dover that Kent Police are completely failing to meet the needs of the community in relation to burglary, theft and other serious crimes affecting everyday life here."

Cllr Rix, who wants District Commander Ch Insp Mark Weller to attend the meeting, in particular reproached for police for not attending a burglary at La Salle Verte café in Cannon Street until councillors intervened.

The intruder had cut themselves breaking in, leaving blood on the ground and on kitchen utensils he used to break open the tills.

A forensics officer attended following the raid on but co-owner Sandra Malho said it was "crazy" that police had at first said no as the blood could help identify the raider. It was claimed at first that police didn't have the manpower at the time to send someone.

The break-in was overnight on March 13 to 14 and one man has since been arrested and bailed pending further enquiries.

Mr Scott has written back to Cllr Rix saying that a council tax rise will pay for 200 extra officers for Kent for 2018/19 and 80 more staff.

He said the funding he provides is also being used to protect 300 Kent PCSO posts.

Ch Insp Weller said that there were 39 actual and attempted burglaries reported from February 1 to March 14.

But, he added, arrests have been made for more than 20 of them and so far two men have been charged with eight.

He said: "Burglars, whether they target homes or businesses, are not welcome here in Dover.

"In response to a recent spate of burglaries at commercial premises, my officers worked swiftly to identify evidential opportunities with assistance from partner agencies, and made arrests with the aim of bringing those responsible before the courts.

"I remain determined that tackling burglary is a priority to me which is why we introduced a pilot project offering forensic marking kits to residents. The aim is to make stolen goods impossible to sell on. Following its success I intend to introduce it to other areas too.

"‘My PCSOs have spoken to business owners and their staff, and ensured they have the safety advice they need to protect their premises. Officers, both uniformed and plain-clothed, have provided regular patrols in the town.

"We’ve also been issuing crime prevention advice and arrest updates on our investigations to the business community through Dover Partners Against Crime.

"Should people have any questions about crime prevention, they are welcome to contact Dover Community Safety Unit or speak to a patrol.

"There are also opportunities to speak to myself and my team at the community engagement meetings, surgeries and my team also regularly attends council meetings too.

Kye Dunn, 19, of no fixed address, was charged on 13 March with the burglary of a café in London Road, Dover between 11 and 12 March in which cash and a bottle of vodka was stolen. He was also charged with the burglary of a shop in Biggin Street, Dover on 4 March in which cash was stolen.

He appeared at Medway Magistrates’ Court via virtual link last Tuesday and was remanded in custody. The case was adjourned to be heard at Margate Magistrates’ Court today.

He has been further charged with:

The burglary of a shop in Biggin Street, Dover in which items including cigarette lighters, cake knives, picture frames and a pocket watch were stolen on March 5.

The raid on a garage in Elms Vale Road, Dover, in which cash was stolen that same day.

The attempted burglary of a shop in Goschen Road, Dover on March 4.

The theft of cash from a vehicle in Stembrook Court, Dover on February 15.

Guy Hills, 42, of no fixed address, was charged on Wednesday 7 March with three counts of burglary of commercial premises.

These were at King Street, Dover, on February 28 and March 1 when cash, a safe and two charity pots were taken.

He is also accused of a raid at Priory Place on March 4 where a tip jar was stolen.

A burglary of a commercial premises in King Street, Dover on 28 February in which cash was reported stolen.

Hills was also charged with going equipped with a claw hammerhead for burglary on March 5.

He appeared via virtual link at Medway Magistrates’ Court on March 7 and was released on bail by magistrates.

The case will be heard at Folkestone Magistrates’ Court on March 28.