Rolvenden & Tenterden West

Catapults.

There continues to be high-visibility and proactive patrols in areas where catapult-related crime has been reported. Officers continue to work closely with the public and partner agencies, following up all reasonable lines of enquiry to identify those responsible and prevent further incidents.

A new crime prevention video has been created and is being delivered in local schools to educate young people about the dangers and consequences of catapult-related crime, including the impact on wildlife. This work forms part of a wider approach to raise awareness, prevent offending and encourage responsible behaviour.

As part of ongoing enforcement activity, a young person was issued with a Conditional Caution after being linked to a social media account featuring videos of animal cruelty and the use of a catapult against wildlife in the local area. A Conditional Caution is an out-of-court disposal that requires the offender to comply with specific conditions. If those conditions are breached, they may be prosecuted and brought before the courts.

Officers remain committed to tackling catapult-related offences through a combination of enforcement, education and partnership working, and encourage residents to continue reporting concerns so that appropriate action can be taken.

Antisocial behaviour.

Neighbourhood officers have worked closely with partner agencies and housing providers to tackle serious antisocial behaviour, violence and drug-related activity linked to several properties in the area.

Following repeated reports concerning a property in South Tenterden, officers successfully obtained a Closure Order through the courts. A Closure Order is a legal power that allows a property to be closed when it is associated with significant crime, disorder or antisocial behaviour. As a result, nobody is permitted to enter the property, helping to disrupt criminal activity and protect the wider community.

Officers have also worked with housing providers to secure an extension to a partial Closure Order at a property in Rolvenden. In addition, court-imposed injunctions with powers of arrest have been obtained for other addresses linked to drug use and antisocial behaviour, while further action is being taken by housing providers to seek possession of another property.

This partnership approach is helping to reduce crime and antisocial behaviour, improve the quality of life for residents and provide long-term solutions to persistent community concerns. Officers will continue to work with housing providers and partner agencies to identify and address properties linked to criminality and nuisance behaviour.

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 improve road safety, identify unsafe driving behaviour and provide a visible police presence on routes where residents have reported concerns.

As part of this enforcement activity, a vehicle was seized after officers established it was being driven without valid insurance. Officers will continue to carry out patrols, speed checks and targeted enforcement to address road safety concerns and help keep local roads safe for all users.