Concerns have been raised that a lack of policing and street lights in Sandwich has led to the Rope Walk becoming a dangerous place to walk at night.

There were unconfirmed reports of an attempted mugging at knife point on the Rope Walk on Christmas eve and a smashed car window in Mill Wall Place on December 28.

A man from Sandwich was reportedly approached by two youths who demanded his wallet and phone at 5.30pm on Christmas eve.

His wife posted a warning on Facebook to advise others to avoid the area. She said he managed to escape with a few bruises but many now say this area is unsafe due to a lack of police presence.

Former town councillor, Simon Leith, lives in New Street, and agrees this area has become more prevalent for crime.

In October, his car window was smashed and his sat nav stolen and this wasn’t the first time his car has been vandalised.

He said: “It’s a lack of police presence and without this all intelligence-led policing goes out of the window.

“People never used to worry about walking the streets at night here but the fear is starting to creep in.”

Kent Police has no record of the attempted mugging or the vandalised vehicle.

Mr Leith said this could be because some people have stopped reporting crime because they feel “dismayed” when nothing happens as a result.

However, Mayor of Sandwich, Paul Graeme has urged residents to always report incidents to the police.

He said: “At Sandwich Town Council we are well aware of the crime record in Sandwich as we liaise closely with the police both in the town at their headquarters in Dover. We have made representations to the police over the last few weeks and our views on police presence in Sandwich is well known to them.

“As crime in Sandwich only represents 6% of total reported crime in the area there are no plans for any changes.

“It is important therefore to ensure that any incidents are fully reported to the police so that they can be fully aware of the situation within Sandwich and make adjustments to help curtail crime.”

Others claim that the area is too dark and that a lack of street lighting also encourages crime.

Cllr Graeme added: “I fully appreciate that if areas are not properly illuminated then there can be potential for crimes to be committed.”

He asked that residents report lights which aren’t working to KCC.