Hythe

Antisocial behaviour - nuisance.

Officers have responded to reports of antisocial behaviour in the Hythe area, particularly around a small park near the High Street. Following concerns raised by the community, officers attended on several occasions and spoke with groups of young people using the area. Although those spoken to were not identified as being responsible for the reported behaviour, officers took the opportunity to provide advice about respectful behaviour and the impact antisocial conduct can have on the wider community.

In a separate incident, a moped rider was issued with a Section 59 warning because of the way they were riding their vehicle. A Section 59 warning is a legal warning that can be issued when a vehicle is being used in a manner that causes alarm, distress or annoyance to members of the public. The warning is recorded against both the rider and the vehicle. If the rider continues to use the vehicle antisocially within the next 12 months, police have the power to seize that vehicle, or any other vehicle they are riding at the time. Officers will continue to patrol the area, engage with residents and take appropriate action to address antisocial behaviour and improve community safety.

Criminal damage.

Unfortunately, there has been an increase in reports of small deliberate fires in the Hythe area. While these incidents have involved relatively minor fires on open ground, the combination of warm weather and dry vegetation means there is a significant risk that they could spread quickly and become much more serious. Deliberately starting fires is a criminal offence and can place people, wildlife and property at risk.

Officers are carrying out enquiries to identify those responsible and take appropriate action. Local neighbourhood officers have increased patrols in the affected areas and are engaging proactively with people using these locations to raise awareness of the dangers and help prevent further incidents. Police will continue to monitor the situation, investigate reports and work to reduce the risk to the community during the summer months.

Road safety.

Several teams, including officers from the Community Safety Unit, Road Safety Unit and the Special Constabulary, worked alongside partner agencies to carry out a joint road safety operation. The operation focused on offences committed while vehicles were being driven, often referred to as moving traffic offences. These can include speeding, careless driving, using a mobile phone while driving and failing to wear a seatbelt. The operation also included checks relating to Trading Standards legislation and taxi licensing requirements.

The operation resulted in significant enforcement activity, with 34 Traffic Offence Reports (TOR) being issued. A TOR is a formal record created by police when someone is suspected of committing a road traffic offence and may result in a fixed penalty notice, a driver education course or a court appearance. In addition, eight vehicles and one e-scooter were seized after offences were identified. This joint approach helps improve road safety, ensure legal compliance and address concerns raised by local communities. Similar operations will continue to target dangerous driving and other offences that put road users at risk.