More traders have been targeted by thieves in Chislehurst only hours after it was reported that a man smashed his way into a salon using a hammer.

Owner of Briggs & Co, Natasha Briggs, told News Shopper the number of burglaries in the area was getting "ridiculous" after her till was snatched in the early hours of Saturday (September 21) morning.

FULL STORY: Briggs and Co Chislehurst burgled as businesses plead for high street CCTV

Since then a Chinese restaurant has had its window smashed and a worker at a dry-cleaners had to scare off a man armed with a rock who was trying to gain entry.

Alison Stammers, chairwoman of the Chislehurst Town Team, told News Shopper these situations strengthen her resolve in demanding the council install high street CCTV.

Ozbil Tasil, who lives above Belmont Dry Cleaners, spoke to News Shopper about being disturbed at around 1.15am on Monday (September 23) morning.

"I heard two big bangs and looked out the window but couldn’t see anything," he said. "15 minutes later it happened again with three big bangs but again I couldn’t see.

"What this guy was doing was attempting to get in and then waiting to see if there was a response."

The third disturbance prompted Ozbil, who has managed the dry cleaners on Belmont Parade for 15 years, to call the police.

He heard glass breaking and went downstairs to see a man trying to force his way in with a rock.

"His leg was in but he couldn’t get his body in," Ozbil recalled.

The suspect eventually fled when he realised his attempt had been disturbed.

According to Ozbil, the level of crime in Chislehurst is "definitely getting worse" and he joined calls for street CCTV.

Visit Chislehurst also reported how a high street Chinese takeaway, Noble House, was targeted.

News Shopper:

A statement read: "There was also criminal damage to Noble House in the high street with the window smashed.

"I have today sent off our case for CCTV in Chislehurst High Street to LBB. I will keep pushing for it.

"I have also asked for more police controls."

News Shopper has contacted Bromley Council for a response.

UPDATE

Councillor Kate Lymer said: "We must remember that the fear of crime is greater than the incidence of crime itself, especially in our borough, which is recognised as being a lower crime area, which most definitely includes Chislehurst. 

"Having reviewed the evidence earlier this year with police, we are not convinced of the pressing need that we would need to demonstrate to justify the installation of CCTV but clearly we will keep this under review. 

"We are aware that some businesses may choose to consider raising funds to install CCTV themselves, over and above their use on their business premises. 

"We are always happy to meet to offer advice and guidance about the legislative requirements alongside some of the technical issues which would need to be considered.”

Councillor Lymer added: "The Council can and does install temporary CCTV as a tool to help the police and in these circumstances, we expect that the problem will resolved quickly.

"The police will usually request this following a number of complaints from the public and this remains an option on a Borough wide basis."