|
I wanted to provide you with an update regarding Anti-social behaviour - general, which people around your area have highlighted as an issue of concern on the priority survey. Westgate Ward – End of Summer Neighbourhood Update
As we come to the end of summer, I wanted to provide a brief update for residents in the Westgate Ward. The area has remained busy over the past few months, but I am pleased to say that we have generally managed to keep a handle on incidents, and reports of anti-social behaviour (ASB) have remained relatively low. Summer is always a challenging time due to the higher numbers of youths, residents, and foreign students visiting Canterbury City Centre. However, through our high-visibility presence and close cooperation with local partners, reported crimes and incidents have been reduced. There has also been a positive response to our efforts in tackling ASB involving delivery drivers around the McDonald’s area on St George's Street. Interactions and checks by local officers have resulted in several vehicles being seized for operating without the appropriate insurance or tax. Business insurance is essential for delivering food—a requirement that was often overlooked prior to our Beat Officers educating drivers. This engagement has successfully resulted in numerous insurance policies being properly updated.
Conversely, retail crime, such as shoplifting, has seen an increase in reports within Canterbury City Centre. This, unfortunately, reflects a wider national issue. Contributing factors include cost-of-living increases and opportunistic theft, which we are actively working alongside local businesses and security teams to combat.
With schools now returning after the summer break, I would also ask all road users to take extra care around schools and busy pedestrian routes. Please allow extra time for your journeys, observe speed limits, avoid parking dangerously, and remain vigilant for children crossing roads—particularly during the morning and afternoon school runs. Parents and carers can also help by discussing road safety with their children and encouraging them to remain aware of their surroundings when travelling to and from school.
Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to report incidents, share information, and engage with us throughout the summer. Your ongoing support helps us to keep the Westgate Ward and Canterbury City Centre a safe place to live, work, and visit.
Best regards,
Canterbury Neighbourhood Task Force / Westgate Beat Officers
 Tackling antisocial behaviour can be a complex issue, and one which requires input and action from more than just the police. The Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 aims to put victims first, giving power to local people and enabling professionals to find the best solutions for their local area. The act provides the police, local authorities and other local agencies with flexible tools and powers that they can use to respond quickly and effectively to antisocial behaviour. These include: - civil injunctions.
- criminal behaviour orders.
- public spaces protection orders.
- community protection notices.
- dispersal powers.
- closure powers.
The act also includes measures such as the Community Remedy and antisocial behaviour case reviews which empower victims and communities to have a say in the outcome of their reports and hold agencies to account. 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. Get Involved Please consider getting involved by registering for these messages, this will enable you to contribute to the local priority survey. We may be unaware of issues that you would like us to focus on. Take a few minutes to securely and privately register and have your say using the button below, this will mean we can focus on things that matter to you. 
Please click here to complete the survey
| 
