An off-licence manager who had his store ram-raided has called for more police patrols and CCTV in Whitstable.

The double doors of The Offy in Whitstable High Street were ripped from their hinges as a thief broke in.

A burglar used a car to ram into the recently-renovated shop - which also sells beers, wines and spirits - on Monday, September 16.

Ross Bell, who manages the store, believes there is no real police presence in the town.

He said: "Would a police station in Whitstable prevent this at 2.30am? Probably unlikely. Are there more and more incidents continually, either anti-social behaviour or incidents of theft because there isn't a police presence here? I think so - there is definitely a correlation.

"The shop owners try to support each other but you don't feel like you are getting help from anyone else."

When asked what could tackle crime in the town, he added: "It is either actively patrolling or more CCTV surveillance."

Councillors from both of the main political parties have slammed the shortage of police patrols in the town.

Former police officer Cllr Ashley Clark (Con) says Theresa May and David Cameron are "to blame".

He said: "The manager of The Offy is absolutely right. Traditionally one of the most important roles of the police was the prevention of crime. Unfortunately, as the police have been stripped of funding, they have been statistically led and have engaged in fire brigade policing, answering calls from a remote control centre at Maidstone headquarters where the operators have little if any local knowledge.

"Matters are not helped statistically because over time many people have said to me that they don’t bother reporting things because of a lack of response and that includes shoplifting cases where thieves are not arrested.

"Far too many criminals are not actively pursued and put before the courts.

"I and hundreds of others who policed in more robust times know that proactive patrolling with use of stop and search powers coupled with talking to and checking what people are up to not only reduces crime but results in good arrests and good intelligence."

Labour councillor Chris Cornell says residents have felt less safe and are more aware of anti-social behaviour since the town's police station closed.

"High Street retailers feel particularly at risk," he said.

"Our local PCSOs are great but they are simply not enough and spread too thin."

Last month Labour councillors in Gorrell ward met with Divisional Commander Nigel Brooke’s to present a petition from over 1,400 local people calling for a new town constable.

"The shop owners try to support each other but you don't feel like you are getting help from anyone else..." - Ross Bell

"The local force are actively recruiting new officers but are yet to decide where they will be located and admit it may take 12-18 months before we see them on the beat," Cllr Cornell said. "We made sure that they were acutely aware of the problems in Whitstable and the high street and remain committed to the idea of allocating officers to towns which have lost resources."

Chief Inspector Mark Weller said: “I am aware that there are concerns regarding a perceived lack of police presence in Whitstable, but I would like to reassure residents and businesses that their community is safe and we will continue to do our best to keep it that way.

“I acknowledge that crimes such as burglaries and anti-social behaviour can have a significant impact on communities, often resonating long after the incident itself. Communities can feel isolated or unprotected, but in Whitstable that is far from the truth.

“The town and surrounding areas are served by a wide range of different officers with specialist skills such as the Local Policing Teams, the proactive Community Policing Team, the Special Constabulary, the Rural Task Force and PSCOs, whose sole focus is putting victims first.

“Furthermore, an extra 200 police officers are being recruited this financial year after the Kent Police and Crime Commissioner secured additional funding from the council tax precept. Some of these officers are due to begin their duties in communities such as Whitstable.”

Nobody was injured during the raid at The Offy, according to Mr Bell.

Officers were called out about 1.40am. The shop was taped off and the damaged front doors boarded up.

Mr Bell added: "I am immensely angry.

"It’s just the cost and inconvenience to repair the shop and reopen again.

"We were in the process of refurbishing the shop over the last year - inside and out."

A police spokesman said: "One suspect was seen coming out of the building where a till drawer and cigarettes have been reported stolen.

"Officers are at the scene carrying out enquiries to establish more information and reviewing all available CCTV opportunities. The car is reported to have left the scene in the direction of Canterbury."

Witnesses are urged to call the appeal line on 01843 222289, quoting reference 46/177947/19.

Does there need to be a greater police presence in Whitstable? Email whitstablegazette@thekmgroup.co.uk

To get the latest updates on ongoing cases, police appeals and criminals put behind bars, click here.

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