Police and council officials are stepping up patrols along Folkestone’s seafront after reports of break-ins and damage to beach huts.

The huts, near the Mermaid Café, are owned by Folkestone and Hythe District Council and leased to tenants who use them as a base to enjoy the beach.

But there has been a spate of damage, including to roofs and doors, with 13 incidents reported in the past two weeks.

Police are investigating the incidents and the area will be regularly patrolled by uniformed officers, while council staff will also be checking on the huts every day.

Cllr Jenny Hollingsbee, cabinet member for communities, appealed to dog walkers, cyclists and joggers to report anything suspicious.

She said: “These huts are much-loved, both by those who rent them and those who enjoy them for the way they brighten up our beach.

“It is deeply frustrating to learn of the senseless damage that has been caused and I am pleased to hear that our partners within the Community Safety Unit will be working to identify those responsible.

“It is a popular area and I would urge anyone who sees anything suspicious – whether it’s someone on the roof of a hut, or someone fiddling with a door or a lock – to report it to Kent Police so they can build a true picture of the issue and work to bring those

responsible to justice.”

If a crime is in progress, people can call 999.

Otherwise, report it by calling 101 or online at https://www.kent.police.uk/services/report-online/kent-police-online-reporting/