Upper Weald

Road safety issues.

Neighbourhood officers have continued to address concerns about nuisance vehicles and abandoned or untaxed vehicles through targeted patrols and enforcement activity. During patrols in Greenside, High Halden, officers identified a vehicle that had been untaxed since July 2025. The vehicle was recovered, and the owner will be required to pay the relevant recovery and storage fees before it can be released.

Following concerns raised by Neighbourhood Watch about nuisance vehicles in Orchards Field, Bethersden, officers carried out proactive patrols in the area. As a result, two vehicles were seized and recovered. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) will now seek to recover any outstanding vehicle-related fees from the registered keepers. If the owners fail to make contact within the required timescales, the vehicles may be disposed of.

Officers will continue to carry out patrols, respond to concerns raised by residents and take enforcement action where appropriate to address nuisance vehicles and improve road safety within the community.

Catapults.

There has been a noticeable reduction in catapult-related incidents following the issuing of Community Protection Warnings (CPWs). A CPW is a formal warning used to address behaviour that is having a negative impact on the community and may lead to further enforcement action if the behaviour continues.

Despite this positive progress, officers continue to carry out high-visibility and proactive patrols in the Egerton area following recent reports. We encourage residents to continue reporting any catapult-related antisocial behaviour or criminal activity, as information from the community helps officers identify offenders and take appropriate action.

As part of ongoing prevention work, a new educational video has been developed for local schools to highlight the dangers and consequences of catapult-related crime, including the harm it can cause to wildlife. This is currently being delivered by officers to local schools to raise awareness and help prevent further incidents.

Nuisance motorcycles.

Following reports from local residents of a pit bike being ridden in an antisocial manner between Bethersden and Great Chart, the Neighbourhood Officer carried out enquiries and successfully identified both the rider and the motorcycle involved.

As a result, a Section 59 warning was issued to the rider in the presence of their parents. A Section 59 warning is a legal warning that can be given when a vehicle is used in a manner that causes alarm, distress or annoyance to others. If the rider is found using the motorcycle in an antisocial manner again within the next 12 months, police have the power to seize the vehicle.

Officers will continue to respond to reports of nuisance motorcycle use, carry out targeted patrols and take appropriate action against those whose behaviour negatively affects the local community.