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 given a Community Protection Warning after being identified on CCTV firing projectiles from a catapult towards birds. The warning specifically 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 given a Community Protection Warning after being identified as firing projectiles from a catapult at wildlife.

Officers have also been addressing catapult‑related behaviour through visits to local schools. In addition, officers have 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 due to their involvement in catapult‑related incidents.

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

Actioned 24 March 2026

Farm equipment thefts.

Issued 03 February 2026

Following reports of suspicious activity involving plant and machinery in the Smarden area, officers from the Rural Task Force visited the affected location and marked more than 20 items as a preventative safety measure.

Local beat officers also held a drop‑in event alongside the Rural Task Force, giving members of the public the opportunity to have tools and equipment marked free of charge.
After further reports of suspicious activity around building sites in the Egerton area, officers carried out site visits to speak with those responsible. During these visits, officers discussed general security and safety advice, promoted property marking, and increased patrols in the area to provide reassurance and deter further crime.

Actioned 24 March 2026

Road safety issues.

Issued 03 February 2026

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

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

Officers have helped resolve parking concerns in Pluckley by working closely with Ashford Borough Council’s parking enforcement team.

In a separate incident, officers were involved in a pursuit of a stolen vehicle using cloned number plates in the Great Chart and Bethersden area. Two vehicles were involved, and five people ran from the scene. Following enquiries, including the use of CCTV and support from Sussex Police, those involved have been identified and are now being sought in connection with driving offences and drug supply.

Actioned 24 March 2026