Birchington North

Antisocial behaviour - general.

PC England has been working with the Birchington North community to better understand and address antisocial behaviour. Feedback from community meetings, local engagement events and residents has helped officers identify the issues that are having the greatest impact on people living and working in the area.

Following concerns around a homeless person in Minnis Bay, a partnership approach involving the council and other agencies helped secure housing and other support services. This work ensured the individual received the help they needed while also addressing concerns raised by the community.

Nuisance vehicles remain a concern in the Minnis Bay area. Officers are continuing to work with local councils to explore long-term solutions to this ongoing issue. Regular patrols have taken place, with officers speaking to drivers and gathering information to help tackle the problem. Where appropriate, police will use available powers to deal with vehicles that are causing nuisance, danger or distress to others.

Drug dealing.

Drug-related activity has been identified as a local priority, and officers have been focusing on this issue during routine patrols. This work includes gathering information, carrying out targeted patrols and, where appropriate, using stop and search powers to look for illegal items such as drugs. PC England recognises the harm that drugs can cause to individuals, families and communities and will continue to take action to tackle this type of crime.

Information from the public plays an important role in helping police identify those involved in drug-related activity. Residents are encouraged to report any concerns or information they may have, as this helps officers target their efforts and take action against those responsible.

E-scooters/E-bikes.

Concerns about e-scooters and e-bikes have been raised across the area, and officers have taken part in targeted enforcement activity to address the issue. This work has led to several illegal e-scooters being seized and removed from use, with riders also facing prosecution where offences have been identified. Officers continue to speak with riders to explain the law and provide advice about the safe and legal use of these vehicles. Where necessary, vehicles may be seized to prevent further offences. Police will continue to focus on the misuse of e-scooters and e-bikes, recognising the risks they can pose to riders, pedestrians and other road users.