Road safety issues.

Issued 03 February 2026

Local beat officers have seized untaxed vehicles from the Biddenden and High Halden areas.

We have carried out speed checks with support from the Special Constabulary at locations identified by local councils. Officers have also completed a number of vehicle stop checks on the main routes into Ashford. This work will continue into the next quarter.

Officers have also helped resolve parking concerns in Pluckley by working closely with Ashford Borough Council’s parking enforcement team. In addition, officers were involved in a pursuit of a stolen vehicle using cloned number plates. The incident passed through the Great Chart and Bethersden area and resulted in five people leaving the vehicle and running off. Following enquiries, including the use of CCTV and support from Sussex Police, those involved have been identified and are now wanted for arrest in connection with driving offences and drug supply offences.

Actioned 23 March 2026

Catapults.

Issued 03 February 2026

Local beat officers have been responding to reports involving catapults and have continued working behind the scenes to identify those responsible, using information and evidence provided by the community.

This work led to a 17‑year‑old in the Bethersden area being issued with a Community Protection Warning after CCTV footage showed them firing projectiles from a catapult towards birds. The warning relates to catapult possession and wildlife crime. A second individual linked to the same incident is also being sought so that a Community Protection Warning can be issued.

An 18‑year‑old male from Bethersden has also been issued with a Community Protection Warning after being identified as firing projectiles from a catapult at wildlife.

Alongside enforcement, officers have been addressing catapult‑related behaviour through visits to local schools. Officers have also spoken with a 16‑year‑old and their parents in the High Halden area, with the aim of putting an Acceptable Behaviour Agreement in place following concerns about catapult use.

A 21‑year‑old male has also been issued with a Community Protection Warning after being linked to poaching wildlife using catapults. Compliance checks linked to these warnings are ongoing, and officers continue to carry out regular patrols in hotspot areas where catapult use has been reported.

Actioned 23 March 2026

Farm equipment thefts.

Issued 03 February 2026

Following reports of suspicious activity involving plant equipment in the Smarden area, the Rural Task Force attended the victim’s location and marked more than 20 items as a safety measure. Property marking helps deter theft and makes stolen items easier to identify and return.

Local beat officers also held a drop‑in event with the Rural Task Force, giving members of the public the chance to have tools and equipment marked for free and to receive crime prevention advice.

After further reports of suspicious activity around building sites in the Egerton area, officers carried out site visits to speak with owners and workers. They discussed general security and safety advice, offered property marking, and increased patrols in the area to help prevent further incidents.

Actioned 23 March 2026