Sandgate & West Folkestone

E-bikes/E-scooters.

Officers continue to carry out high-visibility patrols in the area in response to concerns raised by residents. Regular patrols help deter offending, identify those responsible and provide reassurance to the community.

Although officers have not recently encountered any illegal e-bike or e-scooter use during patrols, reports of nuisance motorcycles have been received and remain an area of focus. Officers continue to engage with local residents and businesses to gather information and identify those involved. Where offences are identified, appropriate enforcement action will be taken. Through ongoing patrols, community engagement and intelligence gathering, officers remain committed to addressing nuisance vehicle use and improving safety within the area.

Antisocial behaviour.

Officers continue to work to address antisocial behaviour concerns in the area through high-visibility patrols and community engagement. Increased patrols have been carried out in locations where concerns have been raised, helping to deter offending, provide reassurance to residents and identify those responsible for disruptive behaviour.

Over recent months, reports of antisocial behaviour have increased, particularly in the seafront area where groups of young people have gathered during the evenings and caused concern for local residents. Neighbourhood officers have attended on a number of occasions, engaging with those involved and dispersing groups where appropriate. Officers continue to monitor the area and review reports to identify any emerging trends. Through ongoing patrols, engagement and problem-solving activity, officers remain committed to reducing antisocial behaviour and ensuring the area remains a safe and welcoming place for residents and visitors.

Drug taking.

Officers continue to work with residents and partner organisations to address concerns about drug-related activity within the ward. Information provided by the community helps officers identify locations of concern, direct patrols and support proactive policing activity aimed at disrupting criminal behaviour.

Where appropriate, officers use stop and search powers to identify those involved in drug-related offending and gather evidence. A stop and search is a police power that allows officers to search a person for items such as illegal drugs, weapons or stolen property when certain legal conditions are met. Information received from residents is used to build intelligence, support investigations and help identify those involved in the use and supply of illegal drugs.

Through ongoing patrols, intelligence gathering and partnership working, officers continue to take action against drug-related crime and work to keep local communities safe. Residents are encouraged to continue reporting concerns, as information from the public plays a vital role in helping officers identify offenders, disrupt criminal activity and take positive action where required.