General update - Paddock Wood

Good morning everyone. 

I am overdue writing an update to you all and apologise for the delay in getting a message out to you. However, I want to start with some good news. Having worked in Paddock Wood on my own for the last few years whilst covering other areas, due to recent changes within the Tunbridge Wells Beat Team, I can now announce that PC 31239 Louis Scudder is officially joining me in Paddock Wood. Together we will continue with the progress that has been made and be able to put even more effort into tackling local issues.

Catapults:

After some time with very few calls relating to catapults in the area, we have recently seen a very slight increase in calls coming in for the Paddock Wood area. This is obviously still a massive priority to Louis and I, as well as Kent Police. Earlier this month, whilst on foot patrol, PC Scudder and I stopped a group of teenagers after someone pointed out that the group had been using catapults. This group were stopped, searched and whilst they had nothing on their person, PC Scudder and I searched the area in which they had been seen and recovered the following catapults for destruction. 

Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB):

Work has continued throughout the last few months on anti-social behaviour, whether that be from adults, or youths. Together through work with the Borough Council, Social Services, Housing Associations, British Transport Police, the Environment Agency, Trading Standards as well as other agencies and charities, more has been done. 

So far this year, we have already issued 3 different people/addresses with Community Protection Warnings in relation to anti-social behaviour. Together with the council, if these are breached, then further action will be taken which can mean fines and/or court action are brought against the offenders.  

Road traffic matters/ASB:

Recently we have seen an increase in reports to the A228. Whilst this technically occurs on another ‘beat’, together with the beat officers from Capel, Yalding, East Peckham, the Rural Task Force and Traffic we are working together to tackle these issues. The most recent joint action, resulted in 2x Section 59 warning's being issued to drivers (if a second given within a year, the vehicle will be seized), as well as a vehicle stop which resulted in the arrest of a male for driving offences, theft of motor vehicle and possession of a bladed article. 

Whilst this is just some insight into what work is going into Paddock Wood, for obvious reasons I cannot write everything that we are doing or have done in the area. PC Scudder and I are committed to doing everything we can to tackle ASB, reduce crime and address any local issues possible. 

Kind Regards,

PC Connor Geelan.

Beat Officer – Paddock Wood.

Tunbridge Wells Police Station.

For crime in progress or life in danger dial 999.

For all other enquiries contact 101/online reporting.