More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
A woman was tied up and left with her hands and legs bound after a gang of four men broke into her home.
The thieves entered her home in Staplehurst and attacked woman in her 50s who lived there, before stealing jewellery, a watch, cash and two mobile phones.
The incident happened on Tuesday, March 16, but police have only just released details of the crime.
The woman was left with her hands and legs bound at her home in Clapper Lane and the attack happened between 8pm and 8.20pm.
The suspects are described as wearing dark clothing, balaclavas and black gloves.
Fortunately the victim sustained no serious injuries.
It is not the first time the are has seen some disturbing in incidents.
A very similar incident occurred in Chantlers Hill, Paddock Wood, last September when an elderly couple, aged 80 and 78, were threatened at gunpoint after two masked men broke into their home wielding a crowbar and a shotgun. Joan Stone and her partner John Miles were both injured in the attack in which jewellery and cash were stolen.
In August last year, armed police swooped on a property off Staplehurst Road in Marden after reports that it was being ransacked.
The Staplehurst Road was closed in both directions and police helicopter scrambled, but the suspect still escaped.
Paddy Riordan, chairman of Staplehurst Parish Council said: "Serious crime in the area does seem to be escalating.
"It's very worrying for all residents.
"Even ordinary theft is on the rise. It's reached the stage where people are afraid to leave anything outside their homes in case it is stolen."
Cllr Riordan praised the work of the Staplehurst PCSO whom he described as "very pro-active and helpful," but said it was not enough.
He said: "A much more visible police presence on the streets would be a deterrent."
In regard to the latest incident, Det Insp Darren Reynolds said: "We are appealing for witnesses who may have seen anybody acting suspiciously, or any parked vehicles in the area between 7pm and 8.30pm on the day of the incident.
"We are also asking drivers who have dashcam or residents with CCTV to check for any footage which may assist our investigation."
Anyone with information is urged to call Kent Police on 01622 604100, quoting crime reference 46/46418/21 or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111 or by using the anonymous form on their website.
To get the latest updates in ongoing cases, police appeals and criminals put behind bars, click here
