A GRANDMOTHER is calling for more police on the streets after four generations of her family were targeted by "scum".

Audrey McKivett claims Swanley's youngsters are out of control and wants police to take more action.

The 61-year-old, of Laburnum Avenue, spoke out after three criminal attacks by yobs in just four weeks.

While walking down Swanley High Street on December 18, youths pelted her with Christmas lightbulbs.

The retired care worker said: "If police were on the street they would not have got away with it.

"I was so angry and shocked not to be hurt."

Then in Lullingstone Avenue on Christmas Eve, yobs set fire to paper and pushed it through the letterbox of the flat of her 19-year-old granddaughter Laura Brenchley and one-year-old great-granddaughter Skymarie.

Mrs McKivett said: "Police did not turn up until 7.30am despite the fact she called them seven hours earlier.

"Laura put the fire out but it could have killed them.

"They told her they had been too busy to get there any sooner."

And on January 5, Diane Rye, Mrs McKivett's 38-year-old daughter, woke to find her car and four others in Laburnum Avenue with smashed windows.

She said: "The scum know they can get away with it and police must take control before it gets worse."

Mrs McKivett has now written a letter of complaint to police chiefs asking them to get a grip.

Councillor David Coates, who met with Mrs McKivett last week, said: "There seems to be no rapid response from the police in Swanley.

"There are a few gangs causing a lot of trouble. It's alarming."

He added: "We hope to have a meeting with senior police and residents in February."

Inspector Peter Ayling of the north Kent crime reduction unit said: "Swanley has a dedicated beat officer who regularly patrols the area night and day.

"Additional officers will be working in the area during the evening to target those who commit offences at these times."

What do you think of Mrs McKivett's comments? Is she right about the level of crime or has she been unlucky? Write to News Shopper, Mega House, Crest View Drive, Petts Wood, BR5 1BT or email mramsden@london.newquest.co.uk