POLICE are so slow to respond on the Marsh that ram-raiders have enough time to "grab and go" before officers turn up, concerned victims and residents have warned.

Two shops in New Romney and two in Dymchurch have been ransacked by thieves in recent weeks, costing owners about £40,000 in lost trade, stolen stock and repairs.

About £5,000 worth of cigarettes and alcohol were stolen from Dymchurch Village Store in the most recent raid, after a stolen Ford Escort was reversed into the shop, early in the morning of January 21.

Owner Rajagopal Sritharan, who was sleeping upstairs when the raiders struck, called the police but by the time they arrived 20 minutes later the thieves had fled with his stock.

Other traders have spoken out at the level of cover on the Marsh, while mayor of New Romney Councillor Roger Joynes said that culprits are being given a "fighting chance" of getting away with their crimes as many escape before the police turn up.

Mr Sritharan told the Herald: "We need more police.

"I called them as soon as I realised what was happening but they didn't come straight away.

"They should have been here to catch them but only got here after they'd left."

James King, 18, owner of Kingfisher Tackle on Littlestone Road, New Romney, was the victim of a break-in which cost him £6,000 earlier last month.

He said: "You don't see many police down this way. We need more."

Mr Joynes said: "The police are gradually withdrawing numbers in rural areas and the presence in Lydd, New Romney and Dymchurch isn't great, especially at night which is when these incidents occurred.

"If there's a 20- or 25-minute delay in the response it's giving culprits a fighting chance of getting in and out.

"The structure of the police, with many coming from Folkestone, means thieves can grab and be on their way before anyone arrives.

"It's a major concern."

Chief Inspector Martin Bradley said: "There is a Neighbourhood Policing Team based at Lydd Police Station to ensure police are accessible and visible to the community.

"These officers are supported by an enhanced borderless response team providing rapid response to urgent calls."