Heron

Your Neighbourhood Policing Team is made up of Kent Police beat officers who are dedicated to keeping your community safe. They focus on preventing crime and antisocial behaviour, responding to local concerns, and building strong relationships with residents, community groups and local businesses.

Our officers will:

  • patrol to deter crime and reassure the public

  • hold regular engagement activities in the area, including attending community meetings to share advice and listen to concerns

  • work with partner agencies including councils, schools, charities, and local groups

  • tackle issues like antisocial behaviour, repeat offending, and vulnerability

  • build trust by being visible, approachable, and responsive

Neighbourhood policing is a key part of Kent Police’s commitment to being community-focused, visible, and responsive.

Report crime

Please do not contact neighbourhood officers to report crime.

If it's not an emergency, the easiest way to contact us is online. Your report will be sent direct to our control room where it will be reviewed by the same team who answer our calls.

  • in an emergency, call 999

  • call 101 for non-emergency enquiries

Heron Local Policing Team

James Melia (Kent Police, Police constable, Canterbury Neighbourhood Policing Team)

James Melia

Police constable

Matthew Handley (Kent Police, Police Constable, Canterbury Neighbourhood Policing Team)

Matthew Handley

Police Constable

Local Priority Issues

Priority Action taken

E-scooters/E-bikes.

Issued 20 July 2026

Your local officers have continued to focus on the illegal and antisocial use of e-scooters and e-bikes in the area. Recent enforcement activity has resulted in e-scooters being seized from riders in the High Street, and Traffic Offence Reports have been issued where offences have been identified. A Traffic Offence Report is a formal record of a road traffic offence and may lead to further action, such as a fine or prosecution. Officers will continue to patrol the area and take action where e-scooters or e-bikes are being used unlawfully or in a way that causes concern to the community.

Actioned 30 September 2026

Road safety issues.

Issued 20 July 2026

Officers are aware of concerns raised by residents about nuisance vehicles and speeding in the area. Information provided by the community helps officers identify locations where problems are occurring and carry out targeted patrols and enforcement activity. This can include issuing Section 59 warnings or seizing vehicles where appropriate.

A Section 59 warning can be given to a driver or rider whose vehicle is being used in a way that causes alarm, distress or annoyance. If the warning is ignored and further incidents occur, the vehicle can be seized. Officers also address other road traffic offences, including driving without valid insurance or a driving licence, to help improve road safety and reduce antisocial behaviour.

Actioned 30 September 2026

Catapults.

Issued 20 July 2026

Your local officers are aware of reports of catapults being used to target wildlife and cause damage to property. When available, officers carry out patrols and enquiries in areas where incidents have been reported, with the aim of identifying those responsible and taking action where offences are identified. Although no suspects have been identified recently, this remains a priority and officers will continue to focus patrols on locations that regularly receive reports. Information provided by residents plays an important role in helping officers build a clearer picture of when and where incidents are taking place.

Actioned 30 September 2026

What members in Heron are saying are the issues in the area:

Latest Alerts

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Community Coffee Morning : Tue 06 Oct 10:30

Dear Resident, I'm attending a Community Coffee Morning in Salvation army, 33 Richmond Street...

Kent Police
29/09/2026 12:46:40

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Coffee with a Cop @ HatHats Coffee Reculver : Tue 06 Oct 10:30

Dear Resident, I will be holding a drop-in surgery at HatHats Coffee Reculver, Herne Bay, Ke...

Kent Police
27/09/2026 12:00:48

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5 KFAS Fraud Alerts

Resident Good afternoon, Please find attached this week’s KFAS fraud alerts. Feel free to sh...

Kent Police
22/09/2026 15:38:16

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Online Violence Against Women and Girls Community Engagement Event

You’re invited to: Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Community Engagement Event We will be h...

Kent Police
21/09/2026 11:44:51

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Coffee with a Cop @ Costa Coffee, Sainsbury's : Tue 22 Sep 15:00

Dear Resident, I will be holding a drop-in surgery at Costa Coffee, Sainsbury’s, Altira Busine...

Kent Police
13/09/2026 12:00:54

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5 KFAS Fraud Alerts

Resident Good afternoon, Please find attached this week’s KFAS fraud alerts. Feel free to sh...

Kent Police
08/09/2026 12:48:23

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Community Safety Units Becoming Neighbourhood Policing Teams

Resident I am writing to update you on a change to the name of Kent Police’s neighbourhood tea...

Kent Police
07/09/2026 18:45:38

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Coffee with a Cop @ HatHats Coffee Reculver : Tue 08 Sep 10:00

Dear Resident, I will be holding a drop-in surgery at HatHats Coffee Reculver, Herne Bay, Ke...

Kent Police
30/08/2026 12:00:57

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Upcoming Events

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Community Coffee Morning
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Meet Local Officer
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Coffee with a Cop @ HatHats (Heron Leisure Centre)
  • HatHats Coffee Herne Bay Central, William Street, CT6 5NX
  • 03/11/2026 10:00
  • Add to calendar
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Community Coffee Morning
...
Community Coffee Morning

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