North Downs East

Nuisance motorbikes.

We are aware of the recent increase in motorbike thefts and related antisocial behaviour affecting the local area. Officers are carrying out proactive patrols in known hotspot locations and following up information and intelligence to identify those responsible. We understand the impact these incidents have on residents and are actively working to address the issue.

Motorbike owners are being encouraged to take extra steps to protect their vehicles. Crime prevention advice includes using high-quality disc locks, chains or ground anchors, parking in secure and well-lit locations, fitting alarms, immobilisers or tracking devices where possible, and ensuring steering locks are always engaged. Owners are also encouraged to keep a record of frame numbers and registration details and take clear photographs of their motorcycle.

Information from the community plays a vital role in helping officers identify offenders and target patrols effectively. Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious behaviour, nuisance riding or antisocial behaviour involving motorcycles. Useful information includes dates and times, exact locations, descriptions of those involved, motorcycle details such as registration numbers, make, model and colour, direction of travel, and details of any CCTV, dashcam or mobile phone footage.

Reports can be made via 101 or through Kent Police's online reporting services. If a crime is taking place at the time or there is an immediate risk to public safety, residents should call 999. Officers appreciate the continued support of the community and will continue proactive patrols, investigations and crime prevention work to tackle this issue and keep local neighbourhoods safe.

E-scooters/e-bikes.

Both e-bikes, e-scooters and road safety continue to be key priorities within the North Downs area. Officers regularly carry out dedicated patrols, engaging with people using e-scooters to provide safety advice and explain the laws surrounding their use. Where appropriate, warnings are issued to encourage safe and responsible behaviour.

In addition to this engagement work, officers from the Neighbourhood Task Force have carried out targeted operations focusing on the unlawful use of e-scooters and e-bikes. During these operations, several vehicles were seized after offences were identified. Some e-scooters and e-bikes cannot be used legally on public roads, pavements or other public spaces, and their misuse can create safety risks for pedestrians and other road users.

Officers will continue to combine education, engagement and enforcement activity to improve road safety, address concerns raised by residents and ensure that those using e-scooters and e-bikes do so safely and within the law.

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 improving road safety and tackling moving traffic offences, which are offences committed while a vehicle is being driven, such as speeding, careless driving, using a mobile phone while driving and failing to wear a seatbelt. Checks were also carried out in relation to Trading Standards regulations and taxi licensing requirements.

The operation delivered significant results, with 34 Traffic Offence Reports (TOR) issued for a range of offences. A TOR is a formal record created 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, 8 vehicles and 1 e-scooter were seized after offences were identified. This successful joint operation demonstrates the continued commitment of police and partner agencies to improving road safety, ensuring legal compliance and addressing concerns raised by local communities.