General update - Capel & Paddock Wood

Dear Residents.

Apologies for the lack of updates recently, I feel that it's time for a general update on just some of the work has gone into Paddock Wood and Capel in recent weeks. 

On Friday 14th November 2025, together with colleagues from the Tunbridge Wells Neighbourhood Task Force, we responded to reports of a shoplifter who had become verbally abusive towards members of the public in Commercial Road, Paddock Wood. Thanks to detailed descriptions from shop staff and the work of CCTV operators covering the area, the male was quickly spotted and stopped in the Paddock Wood Train Station. Whilst there were some complications with the stop at the Train Station, this was resolved as quickly as possible and the male was arrested. Thank you to the members of the public that remained patient whilst we dealt with this incident. Following on from the arrest, some of the stolen items were recovered and cannabis was seized. After gathering all the relevant evidence, the male was remanded in custody and sentenced to 4 weeks in prison. 

Shoplifting remains a priority of local officers in Kent, and this is just one example of the work being done to identify and get offenders brought to justice.

In recent weeks I have also been working closely with our partner agencies such as the Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, the Community Mental Health Teams and Housing Associations in relation to a variety of different incidents or situations that I have become involved in. Various meetings have been set up between different agencies in relation to multiple different issues, and action has and will be taken from these. Two further Community Protection Warnings have been issued in November following work between myself, housing and the Borough Council to gain evidence of nuisance behaviour. I have also been in contact with the British Transport Police, and together we will be looking to set up some form of joint working when it comes to the Train Station. 

Road safety is also an important part of what we do. This is why in recent weeks a number of people have been stopped for various reasons, and a number of road traffic offences identified and dealt with appropriately.

Whilst I have dealt with a variety of situations and incidents, I have continued to engage with local community groups and attended some different events. Whether that be attending the Open House meeting at the St Andrews Church, holding drop in sessions with Sophie Marsh the Community Warden, or attending local youths groups such as the Cub Scouts to deliver an ‘online safety and road safety talk', I think it is extremely important to keep up this work within the community. If you, or someone you know think they would benefit from this type of thing, then please get in touch. 

Kind regards,

PC Connor Geelan.

Beat Officer - Capel & Paddock Wood.