Kent Police officers have continued their efforts to tackle and investigate anti-social behaviour in the Tunbridge Wells area.
On Tuesday 30 July 2024, local officers visited retail parks near North Farm Lane as part of an operation to crack down on nuisance behaviour in and around the town centre. This follows a rise in reports of young people committing anti-social acts.
Proactive patrols have worked closely with local businesses to discuss their concerns and obtain CCTV footage of incidents and now plans are in place to deter further offending, including having additional marked and un-marked police resources in areas recently subjected to nuisance driving, rogue traders, and anti-social behaviour.
One store was offered bespoke crime prevention advice after it admitted letting thefts of alcohol go unreported. Staff were reminded how to use the shop safe radio scheme to alert police so that their dedicated beat officer can follow up on incidents.
In addition to proactive operational policing activity, community officers visited Fountain Retail Park to share information and guidance with members of the public about crime prevention and violence against women and girls.
Away from the town centre, Clifton Road, Sherwood, residents had raised concerns about motorbikes being driven anti-socially. High-visibility patrols went to the area with the aim of identifying perpetrators of motoring offences although no vehicles were seized on this occasion.
Police Sergeant Samantha Moat, of the Tunbridge Wells Community Safety Unit, said:
‘Kent Police takes all reports of anti-social behaviour seriously and continues to work closely with partner agencies and local communities to prevent such crimes.
‘Our officers have worked hard to develop strong working relationships with local businesses and provide them with reassurance that reports of offences, such as shoplifting and nuisance driving, are being dealt with thoroughly and robustly.’