Crimes and priorities
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Priority:
Action taken:
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Priority:
Road safety issues.
Action taken:
Officers are working closely with local organisations and businesses to identify vehicles and drivers involved in antisocial driving. Improved security measures at key locations during weekends have helped reduce the number of vehicles being driven in an antisocial manner. Officers have also carried out targeted daytime and evening operations using mobile CCTV and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology, leading to offenders being identified and dealt with appropriately. This partnership approach continues to support efforts to improve road safety and reduce the impact of nuisance vehicles on the local community.
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Priority:
Fly tipping.
Action taken:
Further successful partnership work has taken place with Maidstone Borough Council’s Waste Crime Team to tackle fly-tipping across the area. Joint days of action have targeted known fly-tipping hotspots, as well as vehicles and individuals linked to offending. The use of covert cameras and information sharing has helped identify several people and vehicles of interest.
As a result of this work, two suspected stolen and burnt-out vehicles have been located and recovered, and a vehicle linked to multiple fly-tipping incidents was seized for having no valid tax. Officers have also used My Community Voice (MCV) to share information about fly-tipping offences and provide advice on how to dispose of waste legally and responsibly. Through continued partnership working, we aim to identify offenders, prevent environmental crime and protect local communities.
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Priority:
Catapults.
Action taken:
We are aware of concerns about groups of young people misusing catapults, which can cause damage to property and harm to wildlife. Officers have seized a catapult and drug paraphernalia in Lenham Churchyard, a catapult from a young person in Harrietsham following a report from a resident, and a further 6 catapults from two youths in Lenham.
Officers continue to patrol affected areas and work with local schools to raise awareness of the risks and consequences of catapult use. Where appropriate, young people found with catapults are given educational guidance and early intervention support to help prevent further incidents. Residents are encouraged to report any concerns so that officers can take action and continue to target patrols effectively.