West Downs

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

West Downs Local Policing Team

Richard Divers (Kent Police, PC, Swale Neighbourhood Policing Team)

Richard Divers

PC

Local Priority Issues

Priority Action taken

Nuisance vehicles.

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

Antisocial behaviour/shoplifting.

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.

Issued 21 July 2026

Road safety remains a priority for residents across West Downs. Officers have carried out regular targeted patrols using both marked and unmarked police vehicles, focusing on areas highlighted by the community. These patrols provide reassurance, identify poor driving standards and enable officers to take action where offences are identified. We will continue to work with residents and partners to address concerns and keep our roads safe for everyone.

Actioned 30 September 2026

Antisocial behaviour nuisance youths.

Issued 21 July 2026

Residents told us they were concerned about antisocial behaviour involving nuisance motorcycles and young people causing alarm and distress within the community. Following information from local residents, officers identified a juvenile riding an off-road motorbike illegally on public roads. The motorcycle was seized, and enforcement action was taken against the rider.

This positive result demonstrates the value of information provided by the community and sends a clear message that antisocial behaviour and the illegal use of vehicles will not be tolerated. Officers continue to carry out proactive patrols, engage with young people and act on community intelligence to prevent further incidents and keep West Downs a safe place to live and visit.

Actioned 30 September 2026

Wildlife crime issues.

Issued 21 July 2026

Officers have increased patrols in areas highlighted by the community and installed additional signage to promote reporting and raise awareness of the harm this behaviour can cause. Engagement with local residents and young people also continues, helping to deter offending, protect wildlife and encourage the prompt reporting of any incidents.

Actioned 30 September 2026

What members in West Downs are saying are the issues in the area:

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Upcoming Events

Rodmersham Police surgery / Violence against women and girls talk
Bredgar Police surgery / Violence against women and girls talk
Rodmersham Police surgery / Violence against women and girls talk
Bredgar Police surgery / Violence against women and girls talk

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