Furley

Road safety issues.

This is a priority for the next 3 months. We have identified this based on feedback from local residents, crime data, and ongoing concerns in the area.

We’ll publish an update in the coming months to let you know what we’ve done, what progress has been made, and what’s next.

Drug taking.

This is a priority for the next 3 months. We have identified this based on feedback from local residents, crime data, and ongoing concerns in the area.

We’ll publish an update in the coming months to let you know what we’ve done, what progress has been made, and what’s next.

E-scooters and E-bikes.

This is a priority for the next 3 months. We have identified this based on feedback from local residents, crime data, and ongoing concerns in the area.

We’ll publish an update in the coming months to let you know what we’ve done, what progress has been made, and what’s next.

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 took part in an educational programme focused on animal welfare and the consequences of harming wildlife after reports that catapults had been used against animals. In a separate incident, 2 other young people were stopped and had catapults seized and destroyed following reports that projectiles were being fired at roof tiles.

The Child Centred Policing Team has also been delivering education and early intervention work to help young people understand the risks and consequences of catapult-related offences. As part of this initiative, a crime prevention video has 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, engagement and early intervention, helping to keep the community safe.

Road safety issues.

Officers have been encouraging residents to join Speedwatch Schemes. This is a police-led initiative where local volunteers are trained to monitor and record the speeds of passing vehicles. Speedwatch can be joined via the Kent Police website. One individual had their vehicle seized for no tax and expired MOT on the A2070, Sevington. Another individual had their vehicle seized for no tax following the vehicle being left abandoned during the school run on Ball Lane, Kennington. A Traffic Offence Report (TOR) was also issued to an individual for no MOT on Upper Queens Road, Ashford.

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 continue to act on local intelligence reported by residents and patrol areas on increased road safety issues.

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 to address behaviours that have a negative impact on the community, and breaching it can result in enforcement action. Officers have been engaging with those found swimming to explain the dangers and provide safety advice, with enforcement action taken where appropriate.

In a separate incident, officers responded to concerns about the antisocial use of a high-performance BMW. The vehicle was reported for excessive acceleration, unnecessary exhaust noise and other behaviour causing nuisance to the local community. Following enquiries, officers established that the vehicle was not covered by valid insurance and it was subsequently seized.

This activity forms part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety, reduce antisocial behaviour and ensure public spaces remain safe and enjoyable for residents and visitors.