A new housing estate left “living in darkness” is under siege from garden-variety thieves.

The Willow Grange estate in Coxheath has seen a wave of plants stolen from front gardens in recent months, with the latest coming on Tuesday morning to a couple that had moved in just days before.

One resident moved onto on the estate in March, he said: “There are old people living here that are scared for their lives.”

Kent Police is investigating four separate incidents so far this month that have seen more than 20 plants and flowers stolen.

The 53-year-old resident said the thefts first started in July.

He said: “These last few months have been hell, not having street lighting is making us a target.

“It starts off with plants, next they’ll be taking cars, or breaking into garages, we need to think about the health and safety of these old people left living in darkness.”

Developers Countryside have put in overnight security at the estate, after thieves struck overnight on December 6, 14 and 15.

Robert Utting, 75, moved to the new housing estate in May from Bexley.

He said “When it gets to midnight all the lights go off, it’s pitch black and that’s when the thieves turn up.

“I had about nine red robin plants taken from outside my house, I think they’re being taken because they’re evergreen and quite expensive.”

Another couple, who did not want to be named, had their plants stolen in the early morning of Tuesday, December 19, having just moved to the area from Plumstead on Saturday.

A spokesperson from Countryside commented: “We are aware of the recent burglaries which have occurred at our new homes development in Coxheath.

“We are working with Kent Police and have arranged for security to be on site.

“As part of our Highways Adoption agreement, we are obliged to gain approval from Kent County Council on the street lighting.

“At present, we have been asked by the council to switch the street lights off between the hours of midnight and 5.30am. We are happy to liaise with Kent County Council further to vary the times of lighting, if requested by residents.”

A Kent County Council spokesman responded: “At the time the design application was received, KCC had a part-night lighting policy and this was the specification at that time to be applied by the developer.

“This is no longer our policy, however, the developer can choose to have part-night lighting whilst they still own the streetlights.

“Once these lights are adopted by Kent County Council they will be converted to all-night lighting.”

A spokesperson from Kent Police said: “Anyone who has seen anybody or any vehicle acting suspiciously in the Coxheath area, or who has any information that may help the investigation is asked to contact Kent Police on 01634 604100 quoting reference YY/37824/17.

“Alternatively contact Kent Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”