Reductions in antisocial behaviour as Maidstone patrols target hotspots

Reports of antisocial behaviour have fallen by almost 70 percent following targeted action at hotspots in Maidstone.

Officers have used stop and search powers and seized several nuisance vehicles as part of a coordinated response to concerns raised in the Fant area.

During July and August 2024, there were 29 and 23 reports, respectively, of antisocial behaviour in this ward. Many of the issues were related to parks and other open areas near Tonbridge Road.

Enhanced patrols

In September, the number of reported incidents had reduced to just seven, following the use of enhanced patrols in areas including Clare Park and Lockmeadow car park.

Stop and search powers were used 20 times and officers confiscated eight vehicles including two e-scooters, and an off-road bike which was seized for having no insurance in Western Road. 

Chief Inspector Mark McLellan said:

‘We have been responding to a significant and unacceptable rise in antisocial behaviour in the Fant area, which was causing disruption and upset to the wider community as well as to local businesses. 'To see such positive results from our efforts is hugely encouraging and we will continue to focus resources over the coming weeks, through analysis of police data and intelligence, to specifically identify where antisocial behaviour hotspots are.’

Encouraging falls across district

So far this month, the crackdown in Fant has included an arrest of a suspect on 4 October, in connection to at least ten bilking offences from petrol stations.

On the following day, two men were also detained after a suspicious vehicle was followed by patrols from the Hermitage Lane area.

The car was abandoned near Gatland Recreation Ground and the suspects were caught after a foot pursuit. Suspected class A drugs were seized along with cash.

Chief Insp McLellan added:

‘It is crucial we understand what matters most to people within our communities and I hope the work we are doing in Fant shows that our officers will listen and act on concerns that are raised. 'Challenging antisocial behaviour remains key to cutting crime and ensuring that residents, as well as the likes of shopkeepers feel safe. 'It is also pleasing, therefore, to see an almost 30 per cent reduction in reported antisocial behaviour across the whole of the Maidstone district in September, compared to the previous month. ‘Targeted action will continue in the coming weeks and months. We also urge residents to report all crime and incidents of antisocial behaviour. This is so important as it helps us build an accurate picture of where there may be persistent problems and means we can respond more robustly.'

Report antisocial behaviour through our online portal.