Strood North and Frindsbury

Nuisance vehicles.

Officers are aware that nuisance vehicles continue to be a concern, particularly around the retail park, and are working closely with the site owners to explore measures that may help prevent organised car meets and related antisocial behaviour. Officers have carried out targeted patrols at key times and have taken enforcement action against those causing nuisance or disorder.

This has included issuing fines for breaches of a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO). A PSPO is a legal measure introduced by a local council to address behaviours that have a negative impact on the community. Breaching a PSPO can result in a fixed penalty notice or prosecution. Officers have also issued Section 59 warnings and seized vehicles where appropriate.

A Section 59 warning can be given when a vehicle is being used in a way that causes alarm, distress or annoyance, and repeat incidents may result in the vehicle being seized. Officers recognise that this remains an ongoing issue and will continue working with partner organisations and carrying out enforcement activity to improve community safety.

Antisocial behaviour - general.

Officers continue to address antisocial behaviour in the town centre, including concerns about nuisance vehicles and disruptive behaviour by groups of young people. They are working closely with local businesses, including food outlets that can attract large groups, to better understand the issues and identify those responsible. Where appropriate, officers engage with young people and visit their homes to speak with parents or guardians about their behaviour and the impact it is having on the community. This early intervention approach aims to reduce further incidents, encourage positive behaviour and help keep the town centre safe and welcoming for everyone.

Drug taking.

Officers are carrying out regular patrols and enforcement activity to address drug-related concerns in the area. Targeted stop and searches are being carried out where there are reasonable grounds to suspect someone may be involved in criminal activity, helping officers to identify offences and reduce the impact of drug use and supply on the community. Officers also work closely with colleagues in neighbouring areas to share information and address issues involving individuals who are known to come to police attention across multiple locations. In addition, officers regularly visit addresses where drug-related activity is believed to be affecting the local community, carrying out enquiries and taking appropriate action where offences are identified.