Your Community Safety Unit
Your Community Safety Unit is made up of local officers and police community support officers, led by a sergeant and inspector. They’re based in your area and supported by the wider Kent Police team.
We work with councils, community groups and local leaders to tackle the issues that matter most, finding long-term solutions and reducing crime.
We publish the meetings and events we plan to attend, but attendance depends on operational priorities.
My Community Voice is a free messaging service that keeps you updated on local news, events and safety information from your policing team. Find out more and register for My Community Voice.
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Crimes and priorities
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Priority:
Action taken:
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Priority:
Nuisance motorbikes.
Action taken:
PC Gardham has carried out regular high-visibility patrols across the Barton ward, with a particular focus on Baldock Road, Querns Road and Buffs Road. Although no off-road bikes were encountered during these patrols, reports from local residents show that the issue remains a concern within the community. Off-road bikes can cause nuisance, noise and safety concerns when ridden illegally in public spaces or on roads where they are not permitted. Due to the number of reports being received, tackling this issue remains a priority. PC Gardham will continue to carry out proactive patrols in these key locations to deter offending, identify those responsible and help keep the area safe for residents.
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Priority:
Drug dealing.
Action taken:
Police received reports from residents about suspected drug dealing in parts of the Barton ward, particularly around Pretoria Road and College Road. In response to these concerns, PC Gardham and other neighbourhood officers carried out a plain clothes operation in the area during the times the activity was reported to be taking place. During the operation, officers stopped and searched a man who matched the description provided by members of the community. Cannabis was found and seized, and appropriate action was taken. Since then, no further reports have been received in relation to this individual. The information provided by local residents played an important role in helping officers target their patrols and address concerns within the community.
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Priority:
Dog fouling.
Action taken:
Reports of dog fouling within the ward have been recognised and addressed through partnership working with the local council. Responsibility for enforcing offences related to dog fouling sits with the council, so residents raising concerns have been directed to the appropriate reporting channels and advice services. Dog fouling can have a negative impact on public spaces and the local environment, and reporting incidents helps the council take action where necessary. By ensuring concerns are handled by the correct authority, local agencies can work together to help keep the area clean, safe and welcoming for residents and visitors.