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Good morning Resident One of the concerns raised by local residents are the use of Catapults targeting wildlife.
🚨 What to look out for:
-Individuals or groups carrying or using catapults
-Damage to windows, vehicles, or property caused by projectiles
-Suspicious behaviour, particularly in parks, open spaces, or residential areas
⚖️ Police Powers & Policing Approach
Officers are conducting patrols and will take robust action where necessary. Police have powers to:
-Stop and search individuals suspected of carrying items linked to criminal damage
-Seize catapults and related ammunition where used unlawfully
-Deal with offenders through appropriate enforcement, including arrests where required
🛡️ Safeguarding & Prevention Advice
-Parents and guardians are encouraged to be aware of what young people are carrying and how they are using items such as catapults
-Do not confront groups yourself—report concerns to police
-Secure your property and report any damage promptly
-If you see wildlife being targeted, please report this as it is a criminal offence
-Please take any photos/videos/CCTV or ring door bell footage that you can without putting yourself in any danger so that the police can continue to identify and stop these offenders.
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How to Report:
-In an emergency, call 999. For non-emergency reports, please contact 101 or report online.
-If you ever experience this issue or have information regarding an incident, please report it using our online reporting tools at https://www.kent.police.uk, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat or call the non-emergency number 101.
-Alternatively, you can stay 100 per cent anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form at crimestoppers-uk.org. If you have any information or questions please let me know by replying directly to this message. Kind regards, Ashleigh | 
