Dear Resident,

I would like to provide you with an update on the ongoing efforts to address the Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) issues at the Buckhurst Lane Multi-Storey Car Park, Leisure Centre, and Environmental Park in Sevenoaks. Following our engagement event and site visit on 22nd March 2024, there has been progress in addressing the concerns raised by the community.

Highlights of Key Issues and Actions Taken:

Collaboration with Partners: A tasking and finish group has met to coordinate efforts between the police, the local council, and other stakeholders. The actions and progress were recorded on a proactive management plan (PMP), which provides police with a single place to record problem solving and investigation management activity.

Shopping Trolleys: A frequent issue raised was the presence of abandoned shopping trolleys in the car park, which have sometimes been misused in dangerous ways. Police have contacted M&S and Waitrose, whose trolleys are most often found in the area, to ensure regular collection and monitoring of stray trolleys. 

Lighting: Non-functional lighting in the car park and surrounding areas has been repaired and additional lighting has been installed to improve visibility and deter ASB during evening hours.

Patrolling: Targeted patrols have been increased, particularly during peak times such as weekends and school holidays, to prevent incidents before they occur.

CCTV Footage: Residents are encouraged to register their CCTV and doorbell cameras with the new Kent and Essex Police CCTV Registry. This will help officers quickly access relevant footage, speeding up investigations and enhancing community safety.

Community Engagement: Letters have been sent to residents with information about My Community Voice (MCV), a platform for receiving updates on local issues, including the ongoing efforts to address ASB.

Review of Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO): The possibility of implementing a PSPO has been discussed as a potential long-term solution if current measures do not sufficiently resolve the ASB issues. This order would cover relevant areas like the car park, leisure centre, and environmental park, allowing for punitive measures, including fines for breaches.

Issuance of Warning notices: Warning notices are being issued to any vehicles involved in ASB. CCTV is being closely monitored to identify offending vehicles.

Target Hardening and Access Control: Enhancements to physical security, such as the installation of additional fencing and gates, are under consideration. 

ASB sanctions : Police are actively using powers under the ASB Act, including issuing Community Protection Warnings (CPWs) and CPNs to individuals involved in ASB. For more severe cases, Criminal Behaviour Orders (CBOs) may be pursued to prevent repeat offences.

Environmental Design Improvements: An assessment of the environmental design around the leisure centre and park is being conducted to identify and modify areas that could facilitate ASB, such as dense shrubbery that may provide cover for offenders.

Ongoing Monitoring and Outstanding Actions:

While progress has been made, I am still actively monitoring the situation. Some actions, such as considering the installation of ANPR/barriers at the car park entrances and further enhancing physical security, are still under review. I will continue to keep you informed as these measures are implemented. I appreciate your continued cooperation and encourage you to report any incidents of ASB through the appropriate channels. 

Thank you for your attention and support.