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:
Scooters/e-bikes.
Action taken:
Both e-bikes, e-scooters and road safety continue to be key priorities within the Cheriton area. Officers regularly carry out dedicated patrols, speaking with people using e-scooters and e-bikes to provide safety advice and explain the laws that apply to these vehicles. Some e-scooters and e-bikes cannot be used legally on public roads, pavements or other public spaces, and misuse can create risks for pedestrians and other road users. As part of ongoing enforcement activity, officers from the Neighbourhood Task Force recently carried out a targeted operation focusing on the unlawful use of e-scooters and e-bikes. During this operation, several vehicles were seized after offences were identified. Officers will continue to combine education, engagement and enforcement to improve road safety and address concerns raised by the community.
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Priority:
Road safety.
Action taken:
Over the past 3 months, officers have carried out proactive patrols in the Cheriton area, stopping vehicles suspected of being driven without valid insurance or the appropriate driving licence. During these patrols, a number of drivers have been given advice about road safety and responsible driving. To further support this work, a joint operation is being planned involving local officers, Trading Standards and the Road Safety Unit. Trading Standards helps enforce consumer protection and business regulations, while the Road Safety Unit focuses on reducing collisions and improving road safety. By working together, these agencies aim to identify offences, improve driver behaviour and make the roads safer for everyone in the community.
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Priority:
Antisocial behaviour.
Action taken:
There have been a number of reports of antisocial behaviour in specific areas of Cheriton. In response, officers have increased patrols in these locations and are carrying out proactive activity, including stop and searches where there are legal grounds to do so. A stop and search is a police power that allows officers to search a person for prohibited items or evidence of criminal activity. Officers have also used powers to disperse groups where their behaviour is causing nuisance, alarm or distress to others. Tackling antisocial behaviour remains a priority for the Local Neighbourhood Team and this work will continue. In addition, the Child Centred Policing Team has been visiting local schools to deliver assemblies and educational sessions about behaviour, personal responsibility and the impact that unacceptable behaviour can have on local communities. This approach aims to prevent problems before they occur while supporting young people to make positive choices.