Woodlands

Nuisance bikes.

Addressing the antisocial use of motorcycles, e-bikes and other nuisance vehicles remains a priority for local officers. Targeted operations and proactive patrols have been carried out in areas where concerns have been raised, helping to identify offenders and locations linked to nuisance vehicle use. This work has resulted in a number of nuisance bikes being seized and removed from use.

Officers continue to patrol hotspot locations using a range of tactics to deter offending, gather information and provide reassurance to residents. Work is also taking place with partner organisations to explore measures that could help reduce access to areas affected by nuisance bikes and improve community safety. Residents are encouraged to continue reporting incidents, as information from the public helps officers identify offenders, target enforcement activity and focus resources where they are needed most.

Drug use.

Addressing drug-related crime remains a priority for local officers. Targeted patrols are carried out in areas where concerns about drug use and drug dealing have been raised, using information from residents and local intelligence to focus activity where it is most needed.

Where there are lawful grounds, officers may carry out stop and searches to help identify those involved in criminal activity, gather evidence and disrupt offending. Information provided by the community recently helped officers uncover a large cannabis cultivation at a local address. A suspect was arrested and enquiries are continuing to identify any linked criminal activity. Officers also continue to patrol local parks and other public spaces to deter drug-related activity, provide reassurance and respond to concerns raised by residents. Information from the public remains vital in helping officers identify offenders, target enforcement activity and reduce the harm caused by illegal drugs within the community.

Catapults.

Officers continue to carry out high-visibility patrols across the ward, with particular attention given to parks, open spaces and rural areas where concerns regarding catapult use have previously been raised.

Reports relating to catapult use have reduced, suggesting that ongoing patrols and enforcement activity are having a positive impact. However, incidents continue to be treated seriously and appropriate action is taken against those found to be using catapults unlawfully or irresponsibly.

Residents are encouraged to report any concerns relating to catapult use via 101, the Kent Police website, or My Community Voice.