ROCHESTER High Street has been named the most crime-ridden street in Kent.

Despite being one of the most picturesque parts of the Towns, High Street, Rochester, is officially home to more crime than any other street in the county.

Its tea rooms and museums hide the fact that at least one crime is reported there every other day.

The information came to light after a report of a violent attack in Marine Terrace, Margate, which was formerly the street with the most crime in the county.

Police confirmed the seafront walk had lost the title and the dubious honour had shifted to Medway.

But a spokesman for Medway Police stressed that this included all crimes, down to the most minor matters.

He said: “There is one report of crime there every other day. This includes all crime, not just violent crime. It is one of the longest and busiest roads in the county.”

Ward councillor Ted Baker (Con) said: “I’m staggered to hear this. We have been told crime is on the decrease, so I would like the police to show the details.

“If it is the case then we should have a police presence in Rochester High Street 24 hours a day.

“When we have asked about having police on patrol in the High Street we are told it’s not possible.”

Marine Terrace, Margate, lost the unwanted title after dedicated work by the Thanet Community Safety Partnership with the support of the police and local publicans.

The news has come as a blow to Medway’s Community Safety Partnership which has been working hard to combat anti-social behaviour in the area.

Cllr Reh Chishti (Con), Medway Council’s portfolio holder for community safety and enforcement, and vice-chairman of the Community Safety Partnership, said measures had been taken to combat crime in Rochester.

He said: “I’m shocked by this finding. I would say to anyone that the Medway Towns are a very safe place to live. We have put measures in across Medway to make it a safe area, including alcohol control zones and CCTV cameras.”