Isle of Oxney

Catapults.

There continues to be high-visibility and proactive patrol activity in areas where catapult-related crime has been reported. Officers are working closely with local residents and partner agencies, following up all reasonable lines of enquiry to identify those responsible and prevent further incidents. Community information remains vital in helping officers respond effectively to concerns.

As part of ongoing prevention work, a new educational video has been created for schools and young people to highlight the dangers and consequences of catapult-related crime, including the harm it can cause to wildlife. The video is currently being delivered by police officers in local schools to raise awareness and encourage responsible behaviour.

In one recent case, a young person was issued with a conditional caution following links to a social media account that contained videos showing acts of animal cruelty and the use of a catapult against wildlife in the local area. A conditional caution allows an offence to be dealt with without a court hearing, provided specific conditions are met. If those conditions are breached, the individual may be required to attend court. Through a combination of education, early intervention and enforcement activity, officers will continue to tackle catapult-related offences and help keep the community safe.

Drug dealing.

Neighbourhood officers have worked closely with partner agencies and local housing providers to address serious antisocial behaviour and drug-related activity linked to several properties in the area. Following repeated reports of violence, antisocial behaviour and suspected drug dealing at a property in South Tenterden, officers successfully obtained a full Closure Order through the courts. A Closure Order is a legal measure that allows a property to be closed when it is associated with significant crime, disorder or antisocial behaviour. This means that nobody is permitted to enter the property unless authorised under the terms of the order.

Officers have also worked with housing providers to secure an extension to a partial Closure Order at a property in Rolvenden and have supported action at two other addresses where concerns about drug use and related antisocial behaviour were reported. This has included obtaining court-imposed injunctions with powers of arrest and supporting housing providers in seeking possession of properties where appropriate.

This partnership work helps to protect local residents, disrupt criminal activity and improve the quality of life within affected communities. Officers will continue to work with housing providers and partner agencies to identify and address locations linked to serious antisocial behaviour and criminality.

Road safety issues.

Neighbourhood Officers have continued to work alongside the Special Constabulary to carry out speed compliance checks along the A28 through St Michaels, Tenterden, Rolvenden and Newenden following concerns raised about speeding. These checks help to identify unsafe driving, improve road safety and provide a visible police presence in areas where residents have reported concerns.

During this enforcement activity, one vehicle was seized after officers established it was being driven without valid insurance. Driving without insurance is a serious offence that can result in a vehicle being seized, financial penalties and prosecution. Officers will continue to carry out speed checks and proactive patrols across the area to address road safety concerns, deter offending and help keep local roads safe for all road users.