Upper Weald

Catapults.

Officers continue to work with the Rural Task Force, Neighbourhood Watch and local partners to tackle catapult-related wildlife crime in Bethersden, High Halden and Great Chart. Information from the community has helped officers identify a number of young people linked to these incidents, leading to home visits and engagement with both the individuals involved and their parents. One young person has been issued with an Acceptable Behaviour Agreement, which is a voluntary agreement between the young person, their family and partner agencies that sets out clear expectations for future behaviour and encourages positive choices.

Officers have also carried out proactive patrols in catapult hotspot locations identified by residents, resulting in successful stop searches and the seizure of several catapults. Through ongoing enforcement, education and partnership working, officers continue to work to prevent further offences, protect wildlife and improve community safety across Bethersden, High Halden and Great Chart.

Road safety issues.

Officers continue to address concerns about catapult-related antisocial behaviour and wildlife crime through targeted patrols and partnership working. Using information from residents and partner agencies, officers have identified individuals linked to incidents and taken appropriate action where necessary. Patrols continue in hotspot locations to deter offending and provide reassurance to the community.

This work has included engagement with young people and their families, the use of Acceptable Behaviour Agreements and other intervention measures to encourage positive behaviour and prevent further incidents. An Acceptable Behaviour Agreement is a voluntary agreement between a young person, their family and partner agencies that sets out clear expectations for future behaviour.

Through proactive patrols and stop and search activity, officers have also seized a number of catapults and removed them from use. Ongoing enforcement, education and partnership working help protect local residents, prevent wildlife crime and reduce the impact of antisocial behaviour on the community.

Nuisance motorcycles.

Following a stop search of a suspicious male in Hothfield, a motorcycle with no registration plate was located nearby and linked to a fail to stop incident from the previous day, where the bike was involved in a pursuit with firearms officers before making off. This bike was recovered by the Neighbourhood Policing Team. We have also been engaging with the local community to develop intelligence and give crime prevention advice around nuisance motorcycles. Officers attended a recent Housing Community Day hosted by Ashford Borough Council to offer advice and engage with residents and motorcyclists in Hothfield.