Drone used to tackle antisocial behaviour in Ashford

A drone has been used as part of ongoing efforts to tackle antisocial behaviour in Ashford.

On Wednesday 8 July, Kent Police received multiple reports of nuisance motorbikes being ridden in the Stanhope area. Residents reported riders using footpaths and pedestrian areas, causing distress and allegedly forcing members of the public to move out of the way to avoid collision.

Officers from Ashford’s Neighbourhood Task Force attended the area to conduct enquiries. Using the drone, officers were able to safely track the movements of the riders and successfully follow two motorcycles back to a local address.

Patrols attended the address and arrested a 15-year-old boy on suspicion of dangerous driving, driving without insurance, and driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence. He was later charged with 8 offences, including 5 vehicle related offences and 3 outstanding shoplifting offences. He will next appear before Folkestone Magistrates' Court on 21 July.

A second teenage boy has been identified and will be interviewed as part of the ongoing investigation.

Two bikes that were allegedly involved in the antisocial behaviour were also seized at the scene.

Detective Inspector Simon Johnson said:

‘By combining local knowledge, technology and teamwork, officers were able to take swift and positive action against a group of young people causing a disturbance in their local community. ‘We will continue to use every tool at our disposal, including drones, to tackle antisocial behaviour head on. Our officers will not hesitate to act against anyone displaying unwanted behaviour or using vehicles to cause distress to those around them.’