Sandgate & West Folkestone

E-bikes/E-scooters.

This is a priority for the next 3 months. We have identified this based on feedback from local residents, crime data, and ongoing concerns in the area.

We’ll publish an update in the coming months to let you know what we’ve done, what progress has been made, and what’s next.

Antisocial behaviour.

This is a priority for the next 3 months. We have identified this based on feedback from local residents, crime data, and ongoing concerns in the area.

We’ll publish an update in the coming months to let you know what we’ve done, what progress has been made, and what’s next.

Drug taking.

This is a priority for the next 3 months. We have identified this based on feedback from local residents, crime data, and ongoing concerns in the area.

We’ll publish an update in the coming months to let you know what we’ve done, what progress has been made, and what’s next.

E-scooters/e-bikes.

Officers have been patrolling the ward on foot and in a marked police vehicle, with a particular focus on the seafront area. As part of this work, I have spoken with local business owners to understand their views and any concerns they may have about the use of e-scooters. While businesses advised that they had not experienced any significant problems, they confirmed that e-scooters are being used along the seafront.

Officers will continue to maintain a visible presence in the area and monitor e-scooter use. Where individuals are found using e-scooters unlawfully, appropriate action will be taken. This ongoing patrol activity helps to improve safety for pedestrians, residents and visitors, while ensuring that public spaces can be enjoyed safely by everyone.

Dog fouling.

Officers have carried out foot patrols across the area to monitor locations where concerns about dog fouling have been raised. Encouragingly, very little dog fouling has been identified, reflecting the responsible behaviour of the majority of local dog owners. Officers will continue to engage with residents and dog walkers while on patrol to help maintain this positive position.

Responsibility for enforcing dog fouling offences and arranging the removal of waste rests with the local council. However, officers continue to work closely with council partners to identify persistent problem locations and support efforts to address concerns where they arise. This partnership approach helps to keep public spaces clean, safe and welcoming for residents and visitors, while ensuring that any issues are reported to the appropriate authority for action.

Antisocial behaviour - nuisance.

There has been an increase in reports of antisocial behaviour in the Sandgate area, particularly around the Sandgate Castle car park and nearby beach. Officers attended the reported incidents and used their powers to disperse groups where appropriate. Dispersal powers allow police to direct people to leave an area for a specified period if their behaviour is causing, or is likely to cause, antisocial behaviour.

To address residents' concerns, officers have increased patrols in the area, including evening patrols and targeted activity at weekends when issues are more likely to occur. The area will remain a focus for the local neighbourhood team, with further patrols planned to provide reassurance and deter further incidents.

Any individuals found to be involved in antisocial behaviour will be dealt with appropriately. Officers will continue to work with residents, local businesses and partner agencies to keep the area safe and ensure that public spaces can be enjoyed responsibly by everyone.