A GANG of criminals who ransacked a Deal industrial estate have been warned not to return.

Now, 25 businesses on the estate have united to form a traders association after all but two of them were targeted by the organised gang three weeks ago.

A&M Repairs owner Paul Dardani, said: "It is a good thing - we should have done this years ago. It has really brought us together."

United, the small businesses stand more of a chance when trying to prevent crime on their doorstep.

Mr Dardani said: "We have spent quite a lot of money this last fortnight. Everything is now safe and secure.

"Apparently, they (the gang) have been doing the whole area. Aylesham and Folkestone have also been hit, but we're going to make sure they don't come back."

The association has employed a full-time security guard and the latest technology, including an electronic gates, CCTV, and an alarm system.

During the most recent raid, the gang stole tools from each of 23 units. Now the traders, many whom were not adequately insured, are sharing their equipment to keep their businesses running.

After criticisms that the police were not patrolling the area to prevent crime, the association has thanked the police for increasing the number of officers in the area.

Mr Dardani said: "They have started to show a presence and come up a couple of times a night now, which is a great help."