by Hayley Robinson

Car thieves might want to think twice about taking a vehicle from Sittingbourne.

Extra police officers have been drafted in following an increase in the number of reports of car thefts in the town during November and December.

Since the beginning of the year additional officers have been carrying out both high visibility and plain clothes patrols to deter criminals who have been targeting cars.

It would seem the initiative is working as there has been no further incidents reported since January 5.

Detective Constable Andrew Payne said: "Anyone thinking about stealing a car in Sittingbourne should be looking over their shoulder. Our local officers are being supported by specialist units including traffic officers, who are patrolling Sittingbourne at all hours of the day and night to deter and detect offences.

"Officers are also using unmarked vehicles so even if there is not a police car in sight, it is quite possible that officers are still in the area. We will continue with these patrols for the foreseeable future to ensure anyone thinking of stealing a car is scuppered at the first opportunity."