The Meads

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

The Meads Local Policing Team

Richard Hewes (Kent Police, Police Constable, Swale Neighbourhood Policing Team)

Richard Hewes

Police Constable

Local Priority Issues

Priority Action taken

Antisocial behaviour.

Issued 08 October 2026

This is a priority for the next 3 months. We have identified this based on feedback from local residents, crime data, and ongoing concerns in the area.

We’ll publish an update in the coming months to let you know what we’ve done, what progress has been made, and what’s next.

Actioned 08 October 2026

Drug dealing.

Issued 08 October 2026

This is a priority for the next 3 months. We have identified this based on feedback from local residents, crime data, and ongoing concerns in the area.

We’ll publish an update in the coming months to let you know what we’ve done, what progress has been made, and what’s next.

Actioned 08 October 2026

Road safety issues.

Issued 08 October 2026

This is a priority for the next 3 months. We have identified this based on feedback from local residents, crime data, and ongoing concerns in the area.

We’ll publish an update in the coming months to let you know what we’ve done, what progress has been made, and what’s next.

Actioned 08 October 2026

Nuisance vehicles.

Issued 21 July 2026

Patrols have continued regular high-visibility patrols in known hotspot locations using both marked and unmarked police vehicles. Arch Park was identified as an area of concern following reports of an off-road bike. The location was subsequently included on the local beat officer's patrol plan, and since this increased focus there have been no further reports received.

Actioned 30 September 2026

Antisocial behaviour youths.

Issued 21 July 2026

Antisocial behaviour in The Meads has reduced, with reported incidents down by 29.1% compared to the previous year. Following reports from residents, officers carried out enquiries and identified those responsible, resulting in 3 positive disposals and positive outcomes for victims. We will continue to work with residents and partner agencies to tackle antisocial behaviour and keep the area a safe place to live.

Actioned 30 September 2026

Drug taking.

Issued 21 July 2026

Officers have carried out targeted high-visibility patrols and regular foot patrols within identified hotspot locations across the ward. These patrols have focused on public open spaces, pathways, parks and areas where information from the community suggested drug use or related antisocial behaviour may be taking place. Officers have engaged with residents, gathered intelligence, completed area searches where appropriate, and worked to identify those involved in criminality. Patrol activity has also provided reassurance to the local community and increased police visibility in areas causing concern. This work remains ongoing, with intelligence-led patrols continuing to deter offending, develop information, and support future enforcement opportunities.

Actioned 30 September 2026

What members in The Meads are saying are the issues in the area:

Latest Alerts

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Halloween

Good Afternoon, At the end of the month it's Halloween 🎃👻🎃👻🎃👻 Not everyone enjoys or wants t...

Kent Police
20/10/2026 12:16:33

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October Newsletter

Our October newsletter is out now!Catch up on the latest news from the Office of the Police and Crim...

Kent Police
16/10/2026 12:58:46

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Annual Policing Survey 2026

Have your say on policing in Kent How safe do you feel where you live? What are your experiences of ...

Kent Police
15/10/2026 17:23:50

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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
15/10/2026 12:02:34

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Raising Awareness on Fraud and how to protect yourself from it : Book a Presentation and Talk

Good Afternoon, My name is Sophie, and I work as the local Fraud Prevention Co-ordinator for Kent...

Kent Police
12/10/2026 12:47:11

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The Meads Police Surgery : Tue 03 Nov 10:00

Dear Resident, I will be holding a surgery at The Meads Community Centre at 1000 on Tuesday 3...

Kent Police
09/10/2026 16:08:19

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Funding Opportunity - The Police Property Act Fund is now open for applications

Autumn Funding Opportunity for Kent Organisations! The Police Property Act Fund is now open for a...

Kent Police
09/10/2026 12:03:46

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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
08/10/2026 17:08:27

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Upcoming Events

The Meads Police Surgery
  • The Meads Community Centre, 9-11 Emerald Crescent, ME10 5JJ
  • 03/11/2026 10:00
  • Add to calendar

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