Road safety issues.

Issued 03 February 2026

We have been working with the Special Constabulary to carry out speed checks in the local area. Special Constables have been supporting the local beat officer, including checks on the A28 through Tenterden, which has been identified as a speeding hotspot. These checks followed reports from local residents about traffic‑related offences. During this work, three vehicles were stopped.

One driver was arrested on suspicion of drug driving and remains under police investigation. Another driver was charged with driving while disqualified.

In a separate case, an adult male from Tenterden failed to attend court after being arrested for driving while disqualified. The local beat officer later located him at an address in Tenterden. He has since received a 12‑month suspended prison sentence and an extended driving ban.

We are also working with Community Speedwatch groups to help tackle speeding in problem areas. Further speed checks are planned in Tenterden and nearby villages.

We will continue to listen to residents and take action to keep our roads safe.

Actioned 23 March 2026

Catapults.

Issued 03 February 2026

By working closely with the local community, we have identified a number of people involved in catapult‑related antisocial behaviour in the Tenterden area. Two young people have been given Acceptable Behaviour Agreements. An Acceptable Behaviour Agreement sets out clear rules and positive actions. It helps the police work with the young person and their family to stop the behaviour and prevent further problems involving catapults.

A Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) will soon be open for public consultation. This will give residents the opportunity to share their views on whether new rules should be introduced. These may include restrictions on carrying catapults or items that could be used as projectiles in the Tenterden Town area. If introduced, a PSPO would provide additional powers and support stronger joint working between Kent Police and Ashford Borough Council.

In Wittersham, the Rural Task Force has issued a Community Protection Warning to a person linked to catapult incidents. A Community Protection Warning sets clear conditions that must be followed. If these conditions are broken again, this could lead to a Community Protection Notice, which may result in a fine or arrest.

We will continue to respond to reports involving catapults and carry out regular patrols in areas where concerns have been raised.

Actioned 23 March 2026

Drug dealing.

Issued 03 February 2026

We are continuing to take action against people and addresses linked to drug dealing in the local community. Following concerns about drug supply at a property in Tenterden, officers carried out several drug warrants at that address and other linked locations. This resulted in drugs being seized and a number of people being arrested.

We have also been working closely with housing associations where there are concerns about drug use at properties. After joint work between Kent Police and Ashford Borough Council, a full closure order was granted at a property in Longfield. This means the occupant is not allowed to return to the address. The order followed reports of criminal and disruptive behaviour linked to drug use.

In another case, we supported a housing association to obtain a civil injunction. This places strict conditions on certain individuals, preventing them from entering a property. The injunction includes powers of arrest if breached and was put in place following reports of antisocial behaviour linked to drug use and drug‑related parties.

We continue to act on information from the community and encourage residents to report any concerns about drug use or drug dealing in their area.

Actioned 23 March 2026