Anti-social behaviour (ASB)

Hello all

We are aware that ASB crops up in most areas from time to time but some areas tend to get more than their fair share and we are doing all we can to stop/prevent/disrupt this type of activity.

Although the use of catapults to cause damage to property or harm wildlife is not a new thing, New Romney has had a few incidents of late and we are actively trying to identify the offenders.

10 days ago we had an incident on St Martin's Field New Romney where some youths were using a catapult to propel ball bearings at a wooden fence that forms part of the boundary between the field and the houses in Park Row, it was also alleged that they were aiming at wild birds.

I managed to stop 4 teenage males and conducted some searches whereby I located a bag of ball bearings but unfortunately didn't locate the catapult.

Then more recently on 24th July we received a call from a resident in Daglish Close New Romney that one of their house windows had been broken by a projectile from a catapult that some youths had been seen to use whilst targeting Seagulls.

Criminal damage and offences against wildlife are very serious offences and the latter is extremely cruel whatever your opinion is about noisy chip stealing gulls and it won't be tolerated.

During an area search for the youths I stopped some male teenagers in the immediate vicinity and during this search, some cannabis was found on one of them so he will be dealt with for that offence.

We are yet to find the offenders for the catapult incident but I'm appealing to anyone with CCTV in Carey Close/Daglish Close near to the little park in Daglish Close to check for footage between 18:50-19:20 for 4 young males in their early teens, they exited the park area from Daglish Close into Carey Close towards Josephs Way and as always, if you have footage please email me at 13183@kent.police.uk or if the lads involved or their parents want to speak to me directly, then please email me.

Yesterday evening (25th July) there was an incident of ASB involving youths in Victoria Street New Romney and I will be looking to speak with those involved as well as your parents because your behaviour is totally unacceptable from what has been reported to us, again, please get your parents to email me.

On a lighter note, although I won't be able to attend the New Romney Country Fayre on the 26th (today) I hope that you all have a lovely day and the weather is kind to you!

Thank you

Steve.