Police tackle nuisance behaviour in Dartford and Gravesend
10:40, 09 August 2021
updated: 10:42, 09 August 2021
More than a dozen arrests were made as Kent Police targeted individuals involved in nuisance and abusive behaviour.
Between Monday, July 19 and Sunday, July, 25, foot patrols took place across the county with officers having a specific focus on tackling anti-social behaviour.
As a result, two vandals were caught spray painting a wall, a dozen uninsured e-scooters were seized, and alleged drug dealers were arrested.
The action was taken to support ASB Awareness Week, a national campaign backed by the Home Office and National Police Chiefs’ Council.
Assistant Chief Constable Peter Ayling said: "Anti-social behaviour is an unacceptable nuisance that can have a serious impact on an affected area. It is often caused by a very small number of people, but we are not blind to its wide-reaching impact.
"Day in, day out, our officers provide a visible presence in the communities they serve, and work in close partnership with local councils to prevent future incidents taking place. This week of action complemented these efforts and provided us with an important opportunity to raise awareness and engage with our communities.
"Our efforts will not stop, and I encourage anyone with a concern to report it to us. We will always review information provided and seek to take the most robust, and proportionate, course of action."
High footfall areas across the county were regularly visited, from Mote Park in Maidstone to Woodlands Park in Gravesend, and Calverley Park in Tunbridge Wells to Victoria Park in Ashford.
Three off-road motorcyclists being dispersed from a field off Batts Road, Cobham, with similar action taken when youths were seen gathering in Castleridge Lakes, Greenhithe.
A small stretch of the A20, near Wrotham, which is known to attract gatherings of motorcyclists riding in an anti-social manner was also regularly patrolled, with no new offences identified.
In addition to dealing with spontaneous incidents, a particular focus for patrolling officers was to engage with the communities they serve and hear of any concerns residents may have.
A focus on youth engagement could also be seen in Dartford, with officers working closely with community group Youth Konnect to interact with young people.
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