We are excited to inform you that we will be at the Mall in Maidstone this Sunday, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. We will be near Boots, and Moo Boo Bubble Tea. We will be available to discuss various volunteering opportunities with in Kent Police.

If you are free and interested in learning more about how you can contribute to our community, please come and talk to us.

We will be providing information on several roles, including:

- Special Constables

- Community Policing Volunteers

- Police Support Volunteers

- Cadet Leaders

This is a great chance to ask questions, get detailed information, and see how you can make a difference. We look forward to seeing you there!

We are currently organising a range of community events across the country to inform everyone about possible changes to their energy meters. There has been quite a bit in the news recently about energy meters and a BBC radio signal that is used to control them. This is an old style meter called RTS which stands for Radio Teleswitch. This is essentially a service that communicates with the meter which tells it when to switch between peak and off peak times and also tells the consumer unit when to switch a customers heating and hot water on and off.

This is old technology and is out of date which is why they are switching it off. The switch off date is 30th June 2025

Once this RTS signal is switched off, all meters that run using this system will stop working correctly coincide which can have a big impact, especially on some of our most vulnerable in our community.

Neighbourhood Watch is currently looking for people to come forward to help run these events. You would receive FULL support and training and it is a fantastic opportunity to help others within your community to feel well informed and confident to know what will be happening, what it involves and what is expected of them. This helps reduce the likelihood that they will be scammed and confused with mis-information.

If you live around the following area and are free on the date stated, YOU could be that key person who could be a volunteer for us in this project. All of the venues are already booked and the essentials are all covered, you would get travel expenses too.

Your local event is:

Maidstone Community Support Centre, Maidstone ME14 1HH Monday 12th May, 10.00am - 1.00pm

If you feel that you would like to take part in this exciting partnership between NHW and E.ON Next in helping to support local meetings in your region, do get in touch with me to find out more

There has been an increase in Courier Fraud in your local area!

What is Courier Fraud?

Courier Fraud occurs when a criminal contacts a victim by telephone, purporting to be a police officer or bank official. To substantiate this claim, the caller might be able to confirm some basic details about the victim such as their full name and address. They claim there is an issue with your bank account, they have someone in custody or request your assistance with an ongoing bank or Police investigation. The ultimate aim of this call is to convince you into parting with your money either in person, online, via the post office or a money service bureau or in a bank. They may even ask you to buy high value goods, foreign currency or gift cards such as Amazon, iTunes etc.

The caller may also offer a telephone number for the victim to telephone or ask the victim to call the number on the back of their bank card to check that they are genuine. In these circumstances, either the number offered will not be genuine or, where a genuine number is suggested, the criminal will stay on the line and pass the victim to a different individual.

The caller may also ask you to lie to the bank staff as they may ‘be in on it’ and tell you to say it is for house renovations, a new car or your family members.

Your bank, the police or His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs will never:

· call and ask you for your full PIN or full banking password.

· ask you to lie.

· ask you to withdraw money to hand over to them.

· ask you to purchase high value jewellery, watches or foreign currency.

· ask you to purchase a gift cards or high value goods.

· ask you to transfer money out of your account.

How to protect yourself

· Be extremely wary of unsolicited phone calls from your bank or the police, particularly if they are requesting personal information.

· End the call, call back on a different phone line or on a mobile. If this is not possible, wait 5 minutes before calling back. STOP, HANG UP, CALL 159. 159 is a short-code phone service that connects people safely to their bank’s fraud prevention service or for the police dial ‘101’.

· Speak to friends or family before carrying out any actions.

· Don’t trust claims made by cold callers.

· Never hand over your money, bank cards or make purchases following an unexpected call.

· Never share your PIN, One-time passwords (OTPs) or passwords with anyone.

Please remember this key message: The A B C of Scam Awareness

Never ASSUME – never assume a caller is genuine.

Never BELIEVE – never believe a caller is genuine – scammers may ‘spoof’ official telephone numbers, so the call display may show your banks telephone number, but it does not mean it is a genuine call.

Always CONFIRM – always confirm if the call is genuine – ask for identification (name, branch, employee number etc). Tell the caller you will hang up and call back to confirm. Call the bank on the number shown on their website using a different phone or wait at least 10 minutes. Ask if it was a genuine call.

If you have paid money or shared your bank details, contact your bank’s fraud team straight away.

SENT ON BEHALF OF MY COMMUNITY VOICE:- My name is Emily, I am a Fraud Prevention Co-Ordinator for Kent Police!

I would like to invite you to join me on Thursday 1st May 2025 15:00pm - 16:00pm for a virtual Fraud Prevention presentation via Microsoft Teams!

Some of the areas covered includes fraudulent calls, emails and text messages, Romance/Friendship fraud, Rogue Traders, Gift card Fraud, Impersonation and investment fraud, recovery fraud and ways to protect yourself against fraud!

If you are interested in finding out how to protect yourself from the threat of fraud and how to avoid criminals stealing your money and would like to attend the virtual fraud prevention presentation, please contact Emily Jenner at KFAS@ecis.police.uk to receive your link to join the event!

In the meantime, please remember the ABC of fraud awareness:

Never ASSUME – Never assume a caller is genuine.
Never BELIEVE – Never believe a caller is genuine – Scammers may ‘spoof’ official telephone numbers, so the call display may show your banks telephone number, but it does not mean it is a genuine call.
Always CONFIRM – Always confirm if the call is genuine –Ask for identification ( Name, Branch, employee number etc). Tell the caller you will hang up and call back to confirm. Call the bank on the number shown on their website using a different phone, or wait at least 10 minutes. Ask if it was a genuine call.

Banks, police, HMRC and other organisations will NEVER ask you to transfer money, send money or ask for banking details and passwords. NEVER give this information to anyone.

There has been an increase in Courier Fraud in your local area!

What is Courier Fraud?

Courier Fraud occurs when a criminal contacts a victim by telephone, purporting to be a police officer or bank official. To substantiate this claim, the caller might be able to confirm some basic details about the victim such as their full name and address. They claim there is an issue with your bank account, they have someone in custody or request your assistance with an ongoing bank or Police investigation. The ultimate aim of this call is to convince you into parting with your money either in person, online, via the post office or a money service bureau or in a bank. They may even ask you to buy high value goods, foreign currency or gift cards such as Amazon, iTunes etc.

The caller may also offer a telephone number for the victim to telephone or ask the victim to call the number on the back of their bank card to check that they are genuine. In these circumstances, either the number offered will not be genuine or, where a genuine number is suggested, the criminal will stay on the line and pass the victim to a different individual.

The caller may also ask you to lie to the bank staff as they may ‘be in on it’ and tell you to say it is for house renovations, a new car or your family members.

Your bank, the police or His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs will never:

· call and ask you for your full PIN or full banking password.

· ask you to lie.

· ask you to withdraw money to hand over to them.

· ask you to purchase high value jewellery, watches or foreign currency.

· ask you to purchase a gift cards or high value goods.

· ask you to transfer money out of your account.

How to protect yourself

· Be extremely wary of unsolicited phone calls from your bank or the police, particularly if they are requesting personal information.

· End the call, call back on a different phone line or on a mobile. If this is not possible, wait 5 minutes before calling back. STOP, HANG UP, CALL 159. 159 is a short-code phone service that connects people safely to their bank’s fraud prevention service or for the police dial ‘101’.

· Speak to friends or family before carrying out any actions.

· Don’t trust claims made by cold callers.

· Never hand over your money, bank cards or make purchases following an unexpected call.

· Never share your PIN, One-time passwords (OTPs) or passwords with anyone.

Please remember this key message: The A B C of Scam Awareness

Never ASSUME – never assume a caller is genuine.

Never BELIEVE – never believe a caller is genuine – scammers may ‘spoof’ official telephone numbers, so the call display may show your banks telephone number, but it does not mean it is a genuine call.

Always CONFIRM – always confirm if the call is genuine – ask for identification (name, branch, employee number etc). Tell the caller you will hang up and call back to confirm. Call the bank on the number shown on their website using a different phone or wait at least 10 minutes. Ask if it was a genuine call.

If you have paid money or shared your bank details, contact your bank’s fraud team straight away.

Fraud Prevention Co-ordinator (WEST)

The Child Centred Policing Team are looking to set up an intervention project with switch youth services in Maidstone town centre where young people can come along and repair old bikes. The intentions of the project are to divert offending, learn new skills, enforce some core values as well as break down barriers with police.

Cycles UK have agreed to support the project and ensure that once fixed, the bicycles are road safe. However we are looking for members of the public to kindly donate bicycles for young people aged between 11-16. If you are in a position to help us then please drop us a message and we will be in touch.

As a valued Neighbourhood Watch Supporter, Member or Volunteer, we want to invite you to share your views. Our current 5-Year Strategy comes to an end in December 2025 and we are in the process of developing a new strategy.

We are really interested in your thoughts, views and opinions about Neighbourhood Watch and what you think the movement should focus on over the next 5 years. The survey should take about 10 minutes and will give us a good insight into what you think and want.

By analysing the survey results we will be able to hold more in depth and detailed workshops and consultation events with stakeholders develop a new strategy that is ambitious, relevant and reflective of the views of supporters, members, volunteer, the public and other stakeholders. Please complete the survey so we can hear your voice and views.

Please click here to complete the survey

Maidstone Town Team attended a report that a vulnerable person had jewellery stolen out of their bag whilst inside a licenced venue in the town centre. The officers took details and conducted fast time CCTV enquiries which enabled them to establish what the suspect looked like. This image was then shared with CCTV operators who were able to quickly locate the suspect.

The suspect was then detained enroute to a brokers and all of the stolen jewellery found on their person. The suspect was arrested, the sentimental items returned to the victim.

This was all thanks to the business reporting on behalf of the victim, golden hour enquiries completed by the officers on scene and most importantly the officers already established relationships with partner agencies.

The suspect spent the night in custody where he was remanded to court by investigating officers.

Please make sure to keep an eye on your personal belongings when out and about, and report any suspicious behaviour to staff or if needed Police.

Maidstone Town Team have been gathering intelligence in relation to the sale of illegal or counterfeit cigarettes. Patrols entered the business premises on Upper Stone Street at around 3pm on Friday 28 February to carry out an inspection, alongside partners from Maidstone Borough Council and KCC Trading Standards.

Almost 20kg of illicit tobacco and around 2,000 packets of illegal cigarettes (or 40,000 individual cigarettes) being sold to fund organised crime have been seized for destruction from a shop in Maidstone. The confiscated goods have an estimated recommended retail price of £45,356.

During the search, officers found two hides; one of which required a strong magnet to open. The other was accessed by operating a modified light switch. Alongside the hoard of illicit tobacco products, an air-powered revolver was retrieved, for which the business did not have the appropriate licences to sell.

The work being done by the team and the intelligence provided by members of public have helped fuel our searches and inspections. Helping take funding away from organised crime groups.

Investigating officer, PC Cunningham, said:

‘Counterfeit tobacco and vape products pose serious health risks to users. Their manufacture is not regulated meaning they often contain higher levels of chemicals, as well as ingredients not fit for human consumption, such as animal hair and human faeces.

‘In a wider, detrimental impact to the community, those involved in the production and distribution of such goods are often connected with organised crime groups. These criminals have not only been found to breach employment regulations, but often participate in illegal activities such as human trafficking, child sexual exploitation, and drug smuggling.

‘In choosing to purchase the often cheaper, illicit tobacco and vape products, members of the public are not only compromising their health but are unknowingly funding abhorrent crimes.

‘We urge anyone with information about the sale of these items to contact Kent Police, or report concerns anonymously via Crimestoppers.’

Please see below articles regarding the dangers of using fake/counterfeit nicotine products.

Warning over fake vaping devices after test in Derby reveals one had three 'poisons' | ITV News Central

Counterfeit Nicotine Pouches Pose Rising Health Risks, Warn Experts | Psychreg

Do you have a security or doorbell camera?

Sign up to our CCTV Registry and help keep your community safe.

It’s free, secure, and quick to register

Your camera footage could be used to support investigations, bringing criminals to justice, and making your area a safer place to live.

Please note:

· We do not have access to your cameras.

· We can only view the location of registered cameras.

· We always contact the camera owner to request footage.

To learn more about this, click here and also see the attached poster.

Please do share this message using the share button below into other social media platforms and with family and friends so they can also benefit from receiving all of the information that you do, from this platform.

many thanks, Ben

Officers from Maidstone Neighbourhood attended a training session for Kent Youth Trials Club in order to complete Bike Marking with individuals there.

Kent Youth Trials Club Officers offers the opportunity for young people to legally and safely use trial bikes and develop their skills for competitions.

Bike Marking aides the Police in identifying Bikes and helps us return lost or stolen bikes to their rightful owners.

Thank you to Richard and everyone at the club to welcoming us to their session and engaging well in the process.

PC Johnson 14681

Attachments

Bike marking.jpg

Over the last 7 days PC Denney and I have responded to reports of nuisance off-road vehicles, particularly dirt bikes and quad bikes, misusing byways across the North Downs. Mobile patrols have been undertaken to engage with those using the various byways and deter any misuse, and a number of individuals using these routes were spoken with.

Please continue to report any instances of suspected misuse of byways, as enforcement action will be undertaken where appropriate. If a vehicle registration is present on the vehicle, please ensure this is provided. Should there be no vehicle registration, a description of the vehicle is beneficial.

We are excited to announce that the nominations for the BBC Make A Difference Awards 2025 are now officially open! This is your opportunity to celebrate and show appreciation for the incredible individuals and groups who make a positive impact in our communities.

We invite you to nominate your Neighbourhood Watch Coordinator for any of the following categories:

· Community Group

· Fundraiser

· Animal Award

· Green Award

· Active local volunteer

· Young Hero

· Volunteer

· Great Neighbour Award

Please click on the various individual categories to find out more about that award and the criteria and access to the nomination form for that category.

These prestigious awards are a fantastic way to say thank you and recognise the hard work of those who go above and beyond to improve the lives of others. The winners in each category will be selected by a panel of judges, and awards will be presented across each local BBC radio station.

The Make A Difference Awards 2025 were officially launched on Monday, 24th February 2025 on BBC’s One Show. Could one of our amazing Neighbourhood Watch Coordinators be the next local hero to be recognised?

Last year, our very own Cheryl Spruce, Head of Membership and Community Engagement, was nominated and proudly won in her local region in London. Could this be your year to shine?

Nominations are now open and it’s time to put forward those who deserve to be celebrated! If you know someone who fits the bill, we encourage you to submit a nomination. Together, we can help amplify the wonderful work being done in our communities. The link can be found HERE.

Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to showcasing our wonderful volunteers in their local regions.

Central Support Team | NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH NETWORK

We have received more reports of criminals telephoning and impersonating Police, in particular those in Tunbridge Wells .

The criminals are employing various methods from posing as Police Officers from multiple Kent Police Stations stating that they have arrested someone in possession of the victim’s bank card to requesting financial information or asking victims to withdraw cash for a courier to collect as evidence.

If you get any calls like this, STOP, it is a scam.

The Police will NEVER ask you for financial details on the phone or request to collect your card or cash or gold as part of an investigation.

Remember the ABC of Scam Awareness and Never Assume or Believe a call is genuine and always Confirm.

If you get an expected call from someone claiming to be Police or any other organisation, then take their details and end the call. Then call back using a different phone if available. If another phone is not available, then wait 5 minutes and ring a family member or friend to ensure the line has been disconnected and then ring 101. Never call a number they have supplied and never ring 999 whilst still on the call with them. You must always disconnect the call first before ringing 101.

If you think that you may have been a victim of this or any other type of scam, then contact your Bank immediately, which you can do by calling 159 and report it to Action Fraud at www.actionfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040.

You will also find valuable information from the Home Office at Stop! Stop! Think Fraud - How to stay safe from scams.

Residents are advised to take extra precautions to try and prevent the theft of their motor vehicles. Following several reports of FORD FIESTA vehicles being stolen over the last few evenings, your local Beat Team officers would like to take the opportunity to remind residents how they can help make their vehicles less of a target to opportunistic and organised criminals.

Recent offending has focussed on the areas of Gleaming Wood Drive and Timbertops, however residents from further afield are also advised to take measures to prevent incidents occurring.

If any residents have information that may assist investigators including CCTV, video doorbell footage, or information on suspected offenders, please contact Kent Police using the online reporting system here: Report | Kent Police, using the Live Chat service through the blue link on the Kent Police website, or via the 101 non-emergency number.

Preventing car and vehicle theft

Don't let thieves get an easy ride. Follow these simple rules to protect your vehicle from thieves.

1. Lock your vehicle

Locking your vehicle, even when filling up or parked on your drive, greatly reduces the possibility of it being targeted by an opportunist thief. Even if you have locked your vehicle, check you haven’t left any windows or the sunroof open.

It is actually illegal to leave your vehicle running unattended while you de-ice it or warm it up in cold weather. If someone takes it while it’s left like this, your insurer won’t pay out because you won’t be covered.

If your vehicle has wing mirrors that fold in automatically when locked, make sure you lock it properly. Criminal gangs are looking for vehicles like these where the wing mirrors are still out because it is clear to them that the vehicle has been left unlocked.

2. Keep the keys safe

Vehicles today are by and large more difficult to steal than ever, unless the thief can access your key or fob to clone them. Keep your keys safe, out of view when at home, and away from your front door. It’s not uncommon for car keys to be stolen from inside your home by thieves fishing for them with a stick and hook through the letterbox.

If you're selling your car and you meet up with a potential buyer, do not allow the keys out of your sight. Your keys may be cloned by thieves and used later to steal your vehicle.

Keyless entry:

Cars with keyless entry unlock automatically when the key comes within a short distance of the car. This can be from inside a pocket or bag. If you have to push a button on your car key to open your car, you don't have keyless entry.

Keyless car theft or 'relay theft' is when a device is used to fool the car into thinking the key is close by. This unlocks the car and starts the ignition.

Thieves only need to be within a few metres of your car key to capture the signal, even if it’s inside your home. This means that even if your car and home are secure, thieves can still unlock, start and steal your car.

How to protect your keyless entry car:

- When at home keep your car key (and the spare) well away from the car.

- Put the keys in a screened or signal-blocking pouch, such as a Faraday Bag and check if the bag or pouch is still working every few months.

- Reprogramme your keys if you buy a second hand car.

- Turn off wireless signals on your fob when it's not being used.

Additional physical security such as locks and immobilisers are still highly recommended. Section six on this page has more information about this.

3. Be aware of carjackers

The fact that you’re in the car isn’t always a deterrent to someone trying to steal it.

In traffic, drive with the doors locked and when queuing leave enough space in front of your vehicle to enable you to get out of a tight spot. If your vehicle is bumped from behind, wait to pull over – somewhere safe and preferably where there are people. After all, you don’t know the person who has collided with you; they could well be hijackers. If you’re at all suspicious, consider calling the police.

If someone threatens you, it’s better to hand over the keys to the vehicle than become a victim of assault. Then call 999 as soon as possible, and ask for the police.

If your car is stolen, some modern vehicle alarm and tracker systems have the facility to isolate or shut down fuel systems, bringing the vehicle to a halt and leaving the thief high and dry.

4. Park responsibly

It’s always advisable to avoid parking in dark and secluded areas. It’s worth an extra five or ten-minute walk if it means your vehicle is left in a well-lit and busier street.

And if possible, always try to park in illuminated and staffed car parks or those with a Park Mark safer parking award. To find one, simply check out Park Mark.

5. Watch for illegal tow trucks

Thieves often attempt to lift vehicles from the street, literally. So, if you see a towaway crew acting suspiciously – especially if their vehicle isn’t branded or if they’re not in uniform – then please report it immediately.

As with every report of suspicious behaviour made in good faith, we’ll never blame anyone for calling us if it proves unfounded.

Car parks with height-restricted entrances help prevent illegal tow trucks and removal vehicles. And fitting a Thatcham rated category 1 or 2 alarm system with tracking, immobilisation, anti-grab and movement sensors can help protect and trace your vehicle.

6. Fit good in-car security locks

Additional physical security can help to prevent your vehicle being driven away even if a thief gains entry. There are a range of security rated products tested by Sold Secure that can help, such as steering wheel locks, pedal boxes and gear stick locks.

Some of these products, tested to Sold Secure Diamond, can even resist a small hand-held angle grinder.

It's also worth speaking to your vehicle dealership about installing an aftermarket immobiliser approved by the manufacturer.

Immobilisers prevent a vehicle from starting unless the correct fob, key or activation process is used. They can be personalised so that you're the only one who knows how to unset it via a number of dashboard controls.

7. Double-check electronic locking

Electronic devices can be used to jam the electronic signal from your key fob to lock your vehicle. Always manually check your vehicle has locked before walking away.

If unsure, lock it manually, then scan the immediate area for anyone hanging around. If a potential thief who’s watching feels they’ve been spotted, they’ll probably move off.

8. Before owning, check for cloning

Changing the identity of a vehicle, known as vehicle cloning, can be as simple as adding stolen number plates. When buying a vehicle, always check the DVLA V5 document and make sure the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the vehicle is the same as on the document.

Make sure you check more than one of the VINs as well as the engine numbers on the vehicle (see diagram).

Check a used vehicle you’re buying.

9. Secure your port

Many modern vehicles are fitted with engine management diagnostic ports, which can unlock and start your vehicle.

If your vehicle has this type of port, consider fitting a lockable cover.

Useful links

For more information about police preferred specification products that help to reduce the chances of vehicle crime please visit:

Secured by Design (SBD)

Sold Secure

Thatcham Research

Kent Against Burglary

We have previously seen an increase in burglaries over the autumn and winter months when it gets dark early and we fill our homes with gifts in readiness for Christmas.

However, there are quick steps we can take to help keep our homes, vehicles and valuables as secure as possible, limiting the opportunity for thieves.

Do you secure your home and garden?

Burglars are often opportunists who will target an open window, an unlocked door or valuables on display if they think they can get away with it.

Did you know?

Many burglaries happen on weekdays, in daylight, when you are more likely to be out. As well as locking doors and windows using the keys each time you leave you can also:

1) Keep keys, cash and expensive items away from doors and windows, out of view

2) Use timer switches on lights and radios to make your home look occupied

3) Repair broken or faulty windows or doors

4) Keep gates locked and boundaries secure

5) Lock away bikes, tools and garden items which could be stolen or used to break into your home

Do you protect important items?

Some items you own may be very expensive, unusual, antique or have sentimental value, and therefore would be extremely hard to replace if lost or stolen.

It's a good idea to:

1) Security-mark items including bikes, mobiles and laptops

2) Keep receipts, serial numbers safe and phone IMEI numbers safe

3) Photograph and insure expensive or unique items

4) Install a safe, bolted to the ground or a wall, or use a safety deposit box at the bank

5) Register important items for free on the national Immobilise database – this can help us return them to you if they are stolen and then recovered

Do you lock and alarm your vehicle?

Some burglars may break in to your property looking for the keys to your vehicle.

Always store keys away from doors and windows and take them with you when you go to bed. It's a good idea to store electronic car keys in a signal blocking pouch so they can’t be scanned by thieves.

As well as locking and alarming your vehicle, you should also:

1) Remove items left inside - including jackets and loose change

2) Secure items in your boot, out of view, if you need to leave your vehicle while you’re out - but try not to leave anything inside your vehicle overnight

3) Park in a garage, a secure car park or well-lit location whenever possible

4) wipe away sat nav suction marks left on your windscreen - this could be all it takes to entice a thief to break in, hoping the sat nav is still inside

Remember: If you’re clearing ice from your windscreen and need to go back into the house, remove the keys from the ignition and lock your car. Don’t be tempted to leave it running.

Maidstone Town Team have seized two vehicles in the town centre today. Both vehicles have been using the High Street and contraveninng clear signs.

We know that people driving through the High Street causes a nuisance and we have spent a few hours turning vehicles around and providing words of advice. This has lead to two seizures.

We also arrested two more for shoplifting yesterday resulting in three charges and court bail conditions banning them from stores in Maidstone.

And an arrest was made in relation to a male selling iPhone's leading to a third car seizure and searches in London.

We also received intelligence from partners in relation to drug use, and we located the person. Searched them seized cannabis and seized a potential weapon from him.

Removing weapons, drugs and nuisance vehicles keeps the town and users of the town safe.

This weekend Maidstone Town Centre Team have been lucky enough to have 10 special constables join us for patrols in the town centre.

The day is just beginning but yesterday we arrested two suspects for shoplifting, completed positive stop searches and moved on those causing issues.

When using the town centre please keep an eye on your phone and personal possessions. And if you are a victim of pickpocketing please call 999 or report to staff in the store immediately.

Looking forward to seeing you all in the town centre!

Maidstone Town Centre officers are looking forward to seeing you all in the Town Centre for your Christmas Shopping!

You should notice an influx of police officers in the town centre for the festive period. Yesterday we spent 8 hours in the town centre, completed 4 stop searches, seized drugs and seized our 100th e-scooter. We also attended calls for shoplifters, returning goods to the stores and completed foot patrols engaging with members of public.

If you see us please stop and say hello, and let us know any issues you are facing or any ideas you have for making the town a safer space!

As part of Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) Week town team officers in Maidstone completed joint patrols with OneMaidstone town ambassadors.

We engaged with members of the public and businesses in relation to ASB. We are aware that one issue in the town centre is e-scooters. And today we seized our 88th e-scooter which will be crushed.

We also completed a joint patrol with the council and Kent Fire and Rescue in relation to youths climbing on roofs in the town centre. We used a drone to review roof access and will continue to work towards securing access points and making our town a safer space for everyone.

A car park that has been used to commit anti-social behaviour in town has been cleared after the owners were issued a community protection warning and steps are being taken to secure the car park too.

We know that these are just a few of the issues that effect the town centre, and we are working on long term projects to try to tackle ASB. #MakingCommunitiesSafer

If you can spare ten minutes of your time today, Kent Fire and Rescue Service would really appreciate your views on proposals around how they measure response times (no change to how quickly we reach you in an emergency) and what level of council tax you’d be happy to pay for their services.

You can find out more and take part in the consultation before 18 January, here: https://www.kent.fire-uk.org/creating-safer-future-together-public-consultation-2024

Following several reports of nuisance off-road vehicles, particularly dirt bikes and quad bikes, using byways across the North Downs including the Pilgrims' Way, mobile patrols have been undertaken to engage with anyone found misusing the byway and deter further activities.

Please continue to report any instances of suspected misuse of byways, as enforcement action will be undertaken where appropriate. If a vehicle registration is present on the vehicle, please ensure this is provided. Should there be no vehicle registration, a description of the vehicle is beneficial.

Did you know that we meet bi-weekly with our partners to discuss problem persons, locations and community issues that arise in and around Maidstone Town Centre. As part of these meetings we utilise the knowledge and powers that each organisation has to establish solutions through a joint working approach. Today we were joined by Maidstone Borough Council, One Maidstone Ambassadors, South Eastern Trains, Probation, Youth Services and local business representatives. We continued to discuss Safer Business Action Week as well as a number of small projects which are in the pipeline to continue making Maidstone a welcoming place for you all to visit. Stay tuned for an update on these in the coming weeks!

Is there anything that we are missing or you want to see tackled? Please let us know.

The Police and Crime Commissioner is currently writing the new Police and Crime Plan, which sets the priorities Kent Police should follow. Matthew Scott wants to cut crime, to support victims and to build trust, but he wants to know what YOU witness and experience in your area. Do you feel safe? Do you trust the police? Please, have your say via our short, anonymous survey.

The survey is anonymous and will only take you a few minutes. We'd be very grateful if you could fill it in:

https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/PoliceandCrimePlan2024/

Residents are advised to take extra precautions to try and prevent the theft of their motor vehicles. Following several reports of KIA electric vehicles being stolen, your local Beat Team officers would like to take the opportunity to remind residents how they can make their vehicles less of a target to opportunistic and organised criminals.

Steps you can take to help protect your vehicle include:

- Ensuring that your vehicles are locked and secured after each use.

- If in possession of CCTV/ring doorbell, ensuring that these are in working order and recording.

- Making sure that keys are not left by doors or open windows (Thieves are known to be able to ‘hook’ keys through the letterboxes and open windows using nets / coat hangers etc)

- Ensuring homes are secured with doors and windows locked at night.

- Making sure that key fobs are kept in RFID Faraday pouches. These pouches disrupt the signal from your key fobs and so cannot be mimicked to unlock keyless entry/start vehicles.

Residents are being asked to remain vigilant and that any suspicious activity or behaviour is to be reported by telephoning 999 (if the crime is being committed) or by telephoning 101 or using the live chat and/or the online reporting tool both of which can be found on the Kent Police website.

Further advice on vehicle theft prevention can be found at https://www.kent.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/keeping-vehicles-safe/preventing-car-vehicle-theft/

Additional advice on general crime prevention can be found at http://www.kent.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/

Residents urged to share simple ‘5-step’ messages with friends and loved ones

Are you prepared? This is the question we are encouraging residents to share with their communities to kick start a new preparedness campaign coinciding with National Preparedness Month this September.

Kent and Medway Resilience Forum (KMRF) has produced a 5-step guide with simple actions that residents can take to be better prepared for emergencies that may impact them, such as severe weather, flooding or a utility outage.

Many local parish and town councils are creating community resilience plans to help support a voluntary community response to the local impacts of emergencies.

The new campaign, supported by the Kent Association of local Councils (KALC) is designed to help get the message out to residents about the ways that they can help themselves become more self-resilient too.

KMRF Community Resilience Group Chair, Leanne McMahon, said: “There are simple steps that everyone can take to be better prepared, from signing up to receive weather warnings and flood alerts, to checking whether you, a loved-one, or neighbour are eligible to receive priority services from your utility company in the event of a supply outage.

“Proactive measures, like checking your home’s flood risk, packing a grab bag should you need to leave home at short notice, and developing an emergency plan, can increase your family’s safety and resilience should the unexpected happen.”

“We all have a role in helping to build more resilient, better prepared communities, so we urge residents and community groups to get involved.”

Please do your bit to help spread the word

The 5-steps guide has been created to share with local residents. You can do this is any of the following ways:

· Download and print the 5-steps poster to display on your notice boards around your community from www.kentprepared.org.uk/5-steps

· Include the 5-steps guide in your resident newsletter

· Share the link to Kent Prepared 5-steps campaign web page with friends and family.

· Organise a leaflet drop in your area with the 5-steps flyer

· Share on your community’s social media channels, including any Facebook, Next door or WhatsApp groups. Share on the links below.

Residents can learn more about each step by scanning the QR codes on the campaign posters or by visiting the web page www.kentprepared.org.uk/5-steps. Find out more information on the campaign visit www.kentprepared.org.uk/5-steps

Learn more about writing a parish community resilience plan:

www.kentprepared.org.uk/community-resilience

Please click on the attachment.

Attachments

202408-029 KMRF 5 things KALC poster MR ZK FINAL Web version.pdf

Dear Michael,

I am the Product Director for Neighbourhood Alert which is the secure messaging facility used to power the My Community Voice Kent system. I wanted to take a moment to thank you for completing last year’s national surveyabout your local police and their use of the Neighbourhood Alert system.

As a valued participant, we are sharing the results with you before they are publicised more widely. Several of last year’s survey questions highlighted important perceptions about local policing, the quality and frequency of information and the usefulness of current messages.

Your participation was part of the largest secure email survey in the UK, with over 108,000 people responding. We are incredibly grateful for your contribution last year, the time you spent providing your feedback genuinely influenced improvements to the system,the way it is used by police and the ways it could potentially be used to improve your access to information and even speed up communication when you need to contact the police.

The results of the survey have been carefully analysed and presented individually to most police force and national policing leads and at our UK policing conference (click the image below to see a video review of last years conference where the initial results were revealed).

These insights have influenced how messaging is delivered and highlight the importance of direct messages to, what will soon be 1.5 million registered members across the UK. For instance, the survey confirmed that 63% of Neighbourhood Alert members do not follow their local police on social media, and 91% of members trust Neighbourhood Alert messagescompared to levels between 5% and 31% for social media channels.

Many police forces have already adjusted their approaches based on these findings, and many are reviewing their results to see how changes they are making have impacted public trust and perceptions. Members like you who contributed to this survey across the UK, have helped forces compare results and establish best practice.

Attached, you will find an overview showing the results for your local police force, (with national averages in brackets for comparison). I appreciate that this contains lots of data and some members may have questions, so we are hosting a Webinar on Tuesday 17th September at 12pm to run through the various stats and answer any questions that you may have. Please click here if you would like to attend this free event.

Once again, thank you for your participation last year — you have made a real difference to how policing engagement and communication will be shaped in the future.

One final note: the 2024 survey will be sent out soon, and your input will be vital to continuing these improvements.

Best regards,

Mike Douglas
Product Director

VISAV Limited

A UK Registered, British company, all vetted staff, Government level security audited systems and dedicated to supporting UK police and citizens.

Attachments

Kent 2023 OK.pdf

Strengthening Community Bonds in Maidstone

Last Thursday Divisional Commander C/Supt Neil Loudon and Operational Supt Ree Pepper had the privilege of visiting the local Mosque, in Maidstone.

They engaged in a meaningful discussion with the local Imam, about their shared commitment to keeping the community safe and fostering stronger community cohesion.

It was heartening to receive positive feedback on recent police engagement efforts and the meeting reinforced the importance of mutual respect and collaboration in building a safer and more united community.

As a result of the meeting, further engagement events will be created and delivered.