Kennington

Road safety issues.

Drug taking.

E-scooters and E-bikes.

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 and diversionary programme focusing on animal welfare and the consequences of harming wildlife after reports that catapults had been used against animals. This approach helps to educate young people about the impact of their actions and reduce the likelihood of further incidents.

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, causing concern within the community. Officers continue to investigate reports and take appropriate action where offences are identified.

The Child Centred Policing Team has also been delivering educational and preventative work in local schools to raise awareness of catapult-related crime. 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. Through a combination of education, early intervention and enforcement activity, officers aim to reduce catapult-related incidents, protect wildlife and property, and help keep the community safe.

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 has been identified as a concern. Information gathered through the scheme helps police build a clearer picture of road safety issues and supports future enforcement activity. Residents interested in becoming involved can find further information on the Kent Police website.

As part of ongoing road safety enforcement, one vehicle was seized on the A2070 at Sevington after checks showed it did not have valid vehicle tax and its MOT certificate had expired. Another vehicle was seized on Ball Lane in Kennington after being abandoned during the school run and found to have no valid tax. In addition, a Traffic Offence Report (TOR) was issued to a driver on Upper Queens Road, Ashford for using a vehicle without a valid MOT. A TOR is a formal record created 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 information provided by local residents and carry out targeted patrols in areas where road safety concerns have been raised. This ongoing work helps to identify offences, improve driver behaviour and make local roads safer for everyone.

Antisocial behaviour - nuisance.

Officers have been working alongside Ashford Borough Council at Conningbrook Lakes following concerns about people swimming in the lake during the warmer weather. While swimming in the lake is prohibited under a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO), the primary concern is public safety. A PSPO is a legal order introduced by a local council to address behaviour that has a negative impact on the community and breaching it can result in enforcement action or a fine. The lakes can present serious dangers, particularly where water depth, temperature and conditions may not be obvious. Officers have therefore been providing advice to those found swimming and, where appropriate, taking enforcement action.