Conningbrook & Little Burton Farm

Catapults.

Officers have been carrying out patrols in areas where incidents involving catapults have been reported and have followed up information provided by local residents. As part of this work, 2 young people completed an educational and diversionary programme focused on animal welfare after reports that catapults had been used against wildlife. Officers also stopped 2 other young people and seized and destroyed catapults after reports that projectiles had been fired at roof tiles, causing concern within the community. In addition to enforcement activity, the Child Centred Policing Team has been delivering educational sessions to help young people understand the risks and consequences associated with catapult-related offences.

A crime prevention video has already been shown to 505 Year 6 pupils in local primary schools, with a further rollout planned for 120 students at a local secondary school. This work aims to prevent future incidents through education, early intervention and engagement with young people.

Road safety issues.

Officers have been encouraging local residents to join the Speedwatch scheme. Speedwatch is a police-supported initiative where trained volunteers monitor and record the speeds of passing vehicles in areas where speeding is a concern. Information gathered through the scheme helps police identify problem locations and target road safety activity where it is needed most.

As part of ongoing enforcement work, one vehicle was seized on the A2070 at Sevington after checks showed it had no valid vehicle tax and an expired MOT test certificate. Another vehicle was seized after being abandoned on Ball Lane in Kennington during the school run and found to have no valid tax.

Officers also issued a Traffic Offence Report (TOR) to a driver on Upper Queens Road, Ashford for using a vehicle without a valid MOT. A TOR is a formal record created by police when someone is suspected of committing a road traffic offence and may result in a fixed penalty notice, a driver education course or a court appearance.

Officers will continue to act on information provided by residents and carry out patrols in areas where concerns about road safety have been raised, helping to keep local roads safer for everyone.

Antisocial behaviour - nuisance.

Officers have been working alongside Ashford Borough Council to address concerns about people swimming in Conningbrook Lakes during the warmer weather. While swimming in the lake is prohibited under a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO), the main concern is public safety. A PSPO is a legal order used by a local council to address behaviours that have a negative impact on the community. Breaching a PSPO can result in a fine. The lakes can present serious dangers, and officers have been speaking with anyone found swimming to explain the risks and provide advice. Where appropriate, enforcement action may also be taken.

In a separate incident, officers responded to concerns about the antisocial use of a high-performance BMW. The vehicle was reported for being driven in a manner that caused nuisance, including excessive acceleration, unnecessary noise from the exhaust and other antisocial driving behaviour. Following enquiries, officers established that the vehicle was not covered by valid insurance and it was subsequently seized. This work forms part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and address antisocial behaviour that affects local communities.