Gillingham South

E-scooters/Bikes.

Officers continue to take action against the illegal and antisocial use of e-scooters and off-road bikes across Gillingham. Targeted patrols are carried out in areas where concerns have been raised, helping officers identify offenders, gather information and improve community safety. This activity has resulted in a number of Section 59 warnings being issued and vehicles being seized. A Section 59 warning can be issued when a vehicle is being used in a way that causes alarm, distress or annoyance to others. If the behaviour continues, the vehicle may be seized by police. Officers will continue to carry out patrols and enforcement activity to deter dangerous riding and address concerns raised by local residents.

Alcohol.

Officers continue to work with local partners to address alcohol-related antisocial behaviour in the town centre. Regular patrols are carried out on the High Street to engage with those involved, provide reassurance to residents and businesses, and take action where appropriate. Officers have also worked with partner agencies to issue Community Protection Warnings (CPWs) and Community Protection Notices (CPNs) to persistent offenders. A Community Protection Warning is a formal warning given when a person's behaviour is having a negative impact on the community. If the behaviour continues, a Community Protection Notice can be issued, which is a legal notice requiring the person to stop the behaviour. Through ongoing enforcement and partnership working, officers continue to address alcohol-related antisocial behaviour and improve community safety.

Drug dealing.

Officers continue to carry out targeted patrols in areas where concerns about drug use have been raised. These patrols help identify those involved in offending, provide reassurance to residents and allow officers to take action where there are lawful grounds to do so. This may include stop and searches. 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. Officers have increased the number of stop and searches carried out, which has resulted in offenders being dealt with for drug possession offences. Through ongoing patrols, enforcement activity and community engagement, officers continue to tackle drug-related activity and improve community safety.