A WOMAN has been left out of pocket after her car was hit by a reckless motorist who failed to leave contact details.

Debbie Box became the 107th person to have their car damaged this year in one of the Buckhurst Lane car parks in Sevenoaks in an apparent hit and run.

The mother-of-two's Rover 400 was shunted so hard it moved into the next parking bay.

To make matters worse, police have refused to check CCTV footage to find the culprit because they cannot spare the manpower.

She offered to check the film herself, but was refused, due to data-protection laws.

Mrs Box parked at the end of Buckhurst No 2 near the entrance to Webbs Alley at 9am on August 2. When she returned at 5.15pm she found the front bumper and headlamps were badly damaged.

Mrs Box, who works at Knocker and Foskett, said: "Police have noted on their records that there were CCTV cameras at the time, although the police officer said they may not have the resources to look through this because of the unknown time when this occurred.

"I offered to watch the footage myself, but apparently I can't because of data protection. In that case, what's the point?

"The police also told me I was the 107th victim of car incidents in Buckhurst No 1 and Buckhurst No 2 car parks since January."

Her vehicle could be a write-off, but no insurance details or note were left by the culprit.

Mrs Box, of Market Way, Westerham, has also contacted Sevenoaks District Council, and is awaiting a response.

"I have asked them to look at the film to see if they can spot who deliberately crashed into my car with no explanation or note from them, and also that they have caused criminal damage to my vehicle which has now been taken away for repair," she said.

"Now I'm losing a two-year no-claims bonus and my £125 excess."

Ightham teenager Joanna Curry's car was also hit in Buckhurst No 2 and again the culprit failed to stop.

The 19-year-old, from Nutfields, said: "I found it very concerning somebody would drive into my car and just leave."

Naomi Clarke at Sevenoaks District Council said: "We're sorry to hear about the damage to the vehicle. As asked, we have reviewed the CCTV footage from the car park on the day in question and, on this occasion, the cameras did not record the incident."

Sgt Brian Smith from the Sevenoaks Neighbourhood Policing Team said: "The incident has been recorded and, if further information becomes available, this will be followed up."

Witnesses are urged to ontact police on 01732 379217 or Kent Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.