Policing the Marsh

Hello all

CARM

I was lucky enough to have been invited along to a ‘CARM’ meeting recently in New Romney where I gave a talk regarding fraud, doorstep callers, vehicle and home security amongst a few other things and not one person fell asleep so I'm hoping that what I said was marginally interesting!

For those of you who aren't aware, CARM are a charity and it stands for Caring Altogether on Romney Marsh and whose volunteers work hard to reduce loneliness and isolation.

This is the second time that I have met the organisers and volunteers and they are a great bunch of people doing a wonderful thing as well as all of the other great charities that operate on the Marsh.

New Romney Surgery.

Thank you to those who popped in to my surgery recently, it was nice to meet you (again!) and on that note the first two New Romney surgeries of 2026 will be held at The Assembly Rooms, Church Approach. The reason I am changing location is so that I can hold the surgeries after normal working hours or at weekends so there is availability for all, dates will be released in the New Year.

Thank you to the staff at New Romney Town Hall for looking after me with coffee when I held my surgeries there and indeed the help in using The Assembly Rooms!

Lydd Surgery.

My thanks to those who came to the Lydd surgery which happened to be on Remembrance Sunday after the morning's events which meant that I wasn't able to go back to the Retired Serviceman's Club for a cuppa and cake as I had to get changed out of my ceremonial uniform and into the day to day one! It was a lovely service as usual in All Saint's Church with Father Jack giving an excellent sermon I thought! I always enjoy the parade from the church to the remembrance garden but when it comes to the marching, by the time it gets down to those of us at the back it's more of a casual walk although the intention of marching is always there!

Crime Prevention.

There's probably much more that I could say but for now I'll sign off although just as a polite reminder about a few things, please please don't employ cold callers who knock on your front door telling you what work your property needs unless you can categorically ascertain that they are a bonafide company who will give you a written quotation and won't pressure you into making a decision to go with them, you're much better off finding the tradespeople yourself by searching the internet (or ask family/friend to do this for you) or look in local magazines/papers.

Christmas is fast approaching and the criminals are always looking for opportunities to ruin it by stealing what you've bought so please don't leave your Christmas tree with presents underneath for all to see especially if you're out, and after Christmas try not to leave empty packaging/recycling outside exposed waiting for collection as this gives a massive clue as to what Father Christmas brought you.

Make sure those CCTV cameras are free from spider webs, ensure that security lighting is working and lock those vehicles, it's amazing how many people still leave their vehicles unlocked, I know it's easy done but it takes seconds to lock them but also seconds to steal them especially if they're unlocked!

You can always contact me for advice or if you got some information you'd like to share with me at 13183@kent.police.uk

However, if a crime is in progress it's 999 or if you are reporting a crime or anti-social behaviour that doesn't need a police car on blue lights, please use the online reporting tool on the Kent Police website or ring 101 as I will always get to hear about the reported incidents across the Marsh but you can still email me afterwards.

Thank you

Steve.