Over 120 arrests in Chatham crime clampdown

A clampdown on violent crime and antisocial behaviour in Chatham town centre led to 123 arrests in just three months.

Officers spent a total of nearly 1,200 hours patrolling the High Street area – the equivalent of around 13 hours a day – between June and the end of August 2025 in response to concerns raised by residents, visitors and business owners.

This and other targeted activity has contributed to 605 fewer offences across Medway for the year to September with a 20% reduction (33 fewer incidents) in serious violent crime in Chatham town centre alone.

Difference

Acting Chief Inspector Paul Diddams, District Commander for Medway, said:

‘The vast majority of people who visit or live and work in Chatham are law-abiding members of the public who should not have to put up with drunken and antisocial behaviour or acts of serious violence. ‘We received reports that people were feeling unsafe in the town centre, particularly after dark. In response we have increased officer presence throughout the day, which is already making a noticeable difference to the atmosphere and appearance of the High Street and surrounding areas. ‘Making 123 arrests in a single town centre is a significant figure but statistics tell only half the story. What is most important to me and my officers is that many residents and business owners are telling us that they have noticed a difference and are starting to feel safer.’

During the three-month period Kent Police officers also issued a total of 34 Community Protection Warnings and Notices to town centre troublemakers, secured two closure orders for properties linked to crime and antisocial behaviour, and two Criminal Behaviour Orders for repeat offenders.

The good work continued in September with a further 12 arrests, 34 stop-and-searches and six weapons seized.

Partners

A/Ch Insp Diddams praised the support of the force’s partners who continue to play an important role in helping to tackle crime and antisocial behaviour in the town centre area including Medway Council, local housing providers, charitable organisations and street ambassadors provided by the Chatham Town Centre Forum.

He said:

‘Tackling the root causes of crime and antisocial behaviour is a joint responsibility and we are very pleased to be working closely with so many different agencies to improve the High Street area and make it a safer and more welcoming place for everyone. ‘We are not complacent and will continue to carry out regular, high-visibility patrols in order to respond to incidents when they occur but also to prevent them from happening in the first place.’