Kent Police is linking an attempted theft at a shop in Biddenden in the early hours of Tuesday (31 January 2012) to previous ones at village stores near Ashford.

Police were called at 2.40am after a vehicle was driven into the front of Turner Provisions in the village High Street. The door was smashed but the thieves failed to get into the shop.

A red bumper and lighting cluster from the vehicle was found outside the shop and police have appealed to anyone who may have been asked to repair a vehicle or seen it parked to contact detectives.

Detective Inspector Mark Weller said: “We would urge all shop owners to make sure that they contact police if they see anyone suspicious near their business, perhaps checking the security.

“It is also important to ensure that alarms and CCTV systems are working properly.”

Police are linking this incident with six other similar offences which have occurred since the beginning of the year at a post office in Tally Ho Road, Ashford, a shop in Rolvenden High Street, a newsagent in Martello Drive, Hythe, a garage shop in High Street, Dymchurch, a shop in High Street, New Romney and a Dymchurch Village Store again in the High Street at Dymchurch.

Anyone who has information about these break-ins is asked to call 101, quoting reference ZY/2062/12 or call Kent Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

© Hawkinge Gazette and Channel Coast News 2012