Whitehill & Windmill Hill

Antisocial behaviour caused by youths.

Officers continue to work proactively to address antisocial behaviour involving young people in the area. A number of Acceptable Behaviour Agreements (ABAs) and Community Protection Warnings (CPWs) have been issued to those identified as being involved in antisocial behaviour and other community-related issues.

An ABA is a voluntary agreement between a young person, their parent or guardian and the police that sets out expected standards of behaviour. A CPW is a formal warning issued when behaviour is having a negative impact on the local community and may lead to further enforcement action if problems continue.

These measures are supported by follow-up visits to parents and guardians to reinforce the conditions of the agreements, provide support where needed and help ensure ongoing compliance. This early intervention approach aims to reduce repeat offending, encourage positive behaviour and improve the quality of life for local residents.

Nuisance and off-road bikes.

Officers have carried out a number of targeted operations to tackle the illegal use of off-road bikes, e-scooters and e-bikes. This activity has resulted in a significant number of vehicles being seized, with some subsequently destroyed where appropriate. These operations have helped reduce nuisance vehicle activity and improve safety for local residents.

Kent Police has also worked closely with Gravesham Borough Council to introduce measures aimed at reducing access for nuisance riders. This includes the installation of bike access control gates in the Kings Farm area, including Gloucester Road, Ash Road and Christianfields Avenue. These measures help restrict access across green spaces, disrupt known gathering points and reduce opportunities for antisocial behaviour.

Officers will continue to carry out targeted patrols and enforcement activity, working with partner agencies to identify offenders, seize vehicles where appropriate and reduce the impact of nuisance bikes on the local community.

Drug and alcohol use.

Kent Police is working with Gravesham Borough Council to explore the introduction of a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO), similar to the one already in place in Gravesend town centre. A PSPO is a legal order designed to address antisocial behaviour in public places and can provide officers with additional powers to seize alcohol and issue fixed penalty notices where appropriate.

In the meantime, officers continue to carry out proactive patrols and engage with individuals consuming alcohol in public spaces. Stop and search powers are also used where lawful grounds exist to tackle the use and supply of controlled drugs. A stop and search is a legal power that allows officers to search people for items linked to criminal activity, including illegal drugs.

Officers will continue to work with partner agencies, carry out targeted enforcement activity and respond to information from the community to address drug and alcohol-related issues, reduce antisocial behaviour and help keep the area safe.