Timeline of major crimes in Chislehurst so far in 2018

Police arrested a 25-year-old man after he was allegedly spotted with a gun on Wednesday (May 30) near Perry Street.

There has been a spate of incidents that have unnerved residents.

Below are some of the other big stories in Chislehurst we have reported on this year.

January

Read more – Chislehurst murder: Community in shock after teenager killed

The New Year started with a murder that shook the Chislehurst community.

An 18-year-old boy was found dead in Empress Drive following a reported fight.

Laura Gale, 32, who have always lived in the area, told News Shopper: “Chislehurst used to be an area of prestige with nice residents.

"It comes across as a shock that even the lovely villages such as this don't seem safe anymore. Everywhere is becoming dangerous and it is very sad.

"Chislehurst shouldn't be like that. That is the shock of it, there are good schools, lovely families and good children here.

"Chislehurst never had the reputation of other places in south-east London.”

March

Read more - Chislehurst burglary: Armed raid at home in Cookham Dene Close

An 11-year-old boy was dragged through his home in Cookham Dene Close when thugs armed with hammers and a crowbar smashed into a family home.

Detective Constable Ben Briselden said it was a “terrifying burglary” and the suspects were described as having Irish accents.

April

Read more - South American gangs targeting Chislehurst

The MP for Chislehurst told News Shopper in April that South American gangs were being flown in to target homes in the area.

Statistics showed a huge spike in burglaries in Chislehurst.

2012 - 102

2013 - 129

2014 - 96

2015 - 74

2016 - 68

2017 - 130

2018 (January until April) – 63

MP Bob Neill said: “It is obviously a very serious issue. It seems there have been a spate of very professional jobs done.”

May

Read more: - Carjacker attacks mum in Chislehurst as toddler sits in back seat

A mum was left petrified when a carjacker attacked her outside her front door as her screaming toddler sat in her car.

Lucy Samuels, 32, of Chislehurst Road, said: “You might feel vulnerable when you are out in the dark, but you don't expect this to happen on your own driveway at that time of day," she added.

“The bruises are a constant reminder of what this guy has done. He didn’t know my daughter was in the car, but this whole situation could have been devastating if he had those keys.”

Read more - Chislehurst gunman: Man in his 20s arrested