Patrols from the Tunbridge Wells Neighbourhood Task Force have been tackling rural crime to protect communities along the Kent and Sussex border.
Over two days, officers were joined by colleagues from east Kent and Sussex Police as they targeted offenders who use the quieter roads to travel to commit crime.
On Wednesday 14 June 2023, two men were arrested after a stolen trailer attached to a car was abandoned in Hartley Road, Cranbrook.
Arrests
Suspecting it had recently been left at the location, the constables deployed a police dog and the suspects, from Orpington and Swanley, were tracked down and arrested.
Seven further vehicles were seized for having no insurance, including an Audi located in Leigh. It was found to have been stolen from Erith and was displaying false number plates.
During a series of checks on the previous day, nineteen motorists were reported for offences including excess speed, no insurance, no test certificate, contravening a red light, travelling with an insecure load and driving without a seatbelt. Four vehicles that were found to be uninsured were also seized.
Other arrests over the two days included a suspected drug driver stopped by patrols in Edenbridge and a prolific shoplifter. A motorist was also detained on suspicion of drink driving after failing to stop for officers in Cranbrook. His vehicle was brought to a halt following deployment of a stinger and he was taken into custody.
District Commander, Chief Inspector Stuart Paul, said: ‘This enforcement continues our relentless efforts to protect rural residents and businesses from those criminals intent on targeting them.
‘During the checks, our constables spoke to local residents and other members of the public travelling through the area, and all were pleased to see the proactive patrolling.
‘Those who seek to commit crime should expect to be stopped on different roads at varying times of the day, throughout the summer.’
Click here for further support and advice relating to vehicle crime and here for more information about our Safer Summer initiative.