Willesborough

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, two young people completed an educational and diversionary programme focused on animal welfare following reports that catapults had been used against wildlife.

Officers also stopped two other young people and seized and destroyed catapults after reports that projectiles had been fired at roof tiles, causing concern within the community. In addition to enforcement activity, the Child Centred Policing Team has been delivering educational sessions to help young people understand the risks and consequences associated with catapult-related offences.

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, officers are working to prevent future incidents, protect wildlife and reduce the impact of catapult-related behaviour on local communities.

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 speed of passing vehicles in areas where speeding is a concern. Information gathered through the scheme helps police identify problem locations and target road safety activity where it is needed most.

As part of ongoing enforcement activity, one vehicle was seized on the A2070 at Sevington after checks showed it had no valid vehicle tax and an expired MOT certificate. A further vehicle was seized after being abandoned on Ball Lane, Kennington, during the school run and found to have no valid tax.

Officers also issued a Traffic Offence Report (TOR) to a driver on Upper Queens Road, Ashford, for using a vehicle without a valid MOT. A TOR is a formal report issued when a driver 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 will continue to act on information provided by residents, carry out patrols in areas where concerns about road safety have been raised and take enforcement action where necessary to help keep local roads safe for everyone.

Antisocial behaviour - nuisance.

Officers have been working alongside Ashford Borough Council to address concerns about people swimming in Conningbrook Lakes during the warmer weather. While swimming in the lake is prohibited under a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO), the primary concern is public safety. A PSPO is a legal order used by a local council to address behaviours that have a negative impact on the community, and breaching it can result in enforcement action or a fine. Due to the risks associated with open water, officers have been speaking with people found swimming to explain the dangers and provide safety advice, with enforcement action taken where appropriate.

In a separate incident, officers responded to concerns about the antisocial use of a high-powered BMW. The vehicle attracted police attention after being driven in a manner that caused nuisance, including excessive acceleration, unnecessary exhaust noise and other antisocial driving behaviour. Following enquiries, officers established that the vehicle was not covered by valid insurance and it was subsequently seized.

This work forms part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety, reduce antisocial behaviour and address concerns raised by local residents, helping to ensure public spaces and roads remain safe for everyone