East Malling, West Malling & Offham

Road safety.

Officers continue to address road safety concerns in West Malling through enforcement activity and proactive patrols.

A Section 59 warning was recently issued to a driver following reports of careless driving and excessive speed. A Section 59 warning can be issued when a vehicle is driven in a way that causes alarm, distress or annoyance to members of the public. If the behaviour continues, the vehicle can be seized.

Officers have also carried out speed enforcement checks in the area, with action taken against drivers found exceeding the speed limit. This has included the issuing of Traffic Offence Reports, which are formal reports used when a driver is suspected of committing a road traffic offence.

This ongoing work aims to improve road safety, reduce risks to local residents and other road users, and address concerns about dangerous driving within the community.

Antisocial behaviour - general.

Local officers continue to carry out high-visibility patrols across West Malling and Offham to help prevent antisocial behaviour and provide reassurance to residents.

Patrols are guided by information received from the community and focus on areas where concerns have been raised. By maintaining a visible presence, officers can engage with residents, identify local issues and respond to concerns as they arise.

The local neighbourhood officer also holds regular community engagement meetings in Kings Hill, West Malling and Offham. These meetings give residents an opportunity to discuss local issues, raise concerns and receive updates on policing activity.

Details of upcoming meetings are available on the Kent Police website, and all members of the community are encouraged to attend.

Catapults.

Local officers have responded to reports of catapult-related incidents across East Malling, West Malling and Offham. During the past three months, police received 10 reports involving the use of catapults in these areas.

Officers attended most incidents, carried out searches of affected areas and made enquiries to identify those responsible. Where there were lawful grounds, stop and searches were conducted and any catapults found were seized to prevent further misuse.

Alongside enforcement activity, officers have worked with those involved to raise awareness of the risks and consequences associated with the irresponsible use of catapults, including the potential for injury, damage to property and harm to wildlife.

Officers will continue to investigate reports, gather information and take appropriate action to help prevent further incidents and keep local communities safe.