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

Richard Divers

Local Priority Issues

Priority	Action taken
Road safety issues. Issued 03 February 2026	Several targeted road‑safety operations have been carried out. A recent speed check resulted in multiple vehicles being stopped and given words of advice, with no excessive speeds recorded. High‑visibility patrols with the Town Task Force led to numerous vehicle stops for defects and traffic offences, and the seizure of three vehicles, an e‑bike, an e‑scooter and a van. In addition, both covert and overt work to tackle nuisance bikes has significantly improved safety for road users and pedestrians. There were 37 calls about nuisance bikes before enforcement began, and none since the successful operation. An illegal off‑road bike has also been seized and destroyed, further reducing risk in affected areas. Actioned 17 March 2026
Antisocial behaviour - nuisance. Issued 03 February 2026	Joint covert operation led to the arrest and charging of a prolific nuisance‑bike rider, resulting in no further calls since the intervention. Multiple prolific shoplifters have also been arrested. Officers have seized e‑bikes, e‑scooters and a van linked to antisocial behaviour and traffic offences. An illegal off‑road bike was seized and destroyed at the Springacres Estate. Working with a local housing association, we have carried out regular visits, installed CCTV at the Springacres flats, issued several NOSPs (Notices of Seeking Possession, which warn tenants that their behaviour may lead to eviction), and supported the relocation or eviction of problematic residents. This has led to a significant reduction in reports of antisocial behaviour. Actioned 17 March 2026
Fly tipping. Issued 03 February 2026	Swale Borough Council is the lead agency responsible for investigating and taking enforcement action around fly‑tipping. Police work in partnership with the council to support their investigations where appropriate, particularly where offences involve criminal damage, obstruction, vehicle‑related crime or wider community‑impact issues. We continue to share intelligence, assist with identifying offenders when required, and provide reassurance patrols in affected areas. Actioned 17 March 2026

Priority

Action taken

Road safety issues.

Issued 03 February 2026

Several targeted road‑safety operations have been carried out. A recent speed check resulted in multiple vehicles being stopped and given words of advice, with no excessive speeds recorded. High‑visibility patrols with the Town Task Force led to numerous vehicle stops for defects and traffic offences, and the seizure of three vehicles, an e‑bike, an e‑scooter and a van.

In addition, both covert and overt work to tackle nuisance bikes has significantly improved safety for road users and pedestrians. There were 37 calls about nuisance bikes before enforcement began, and none since the successful operation. An illegal off‑road bike has also been seized and destroyed, further reducing risk in affected areas.

Actioned 17 March 2026

Antisocial behaviour - nuisance.

Issued 03 February 2026

Joint covert operation led to the arrest and charging of a prolific nuisance‑bike rider, resulting in no further calls since the intervention. Multiple prolific shoplifters have also been arrested. Officers have seized e‑bikes, e‑scooters and a van linked to antisocial behaviour and traffic offences. An illegal off‑road bike was seized and destroyed at the Springacres Estate.

Working with a local housing association, we have carried out regular visits, installed CCTV at the Springacres flats, issued several NOSPs (Notices of Seeking Possession, which warn tenants that their behaviour may lead to eviction), and supported the relocation or eviction of problematic residents. This has led to a significant reduction in reports of antisocial behaviour.

Actioned 17 March 2026

Fly tipping.

Issued 03 February 2026

Swale Borough Council is the lead agency responsible for investigating and taking enforcement action around fly‑tipping. Police work in partnership with the council to support their investigations where appropriate, particularly where offences involve criminal damage, obstruction, vehicle‑related crime or wider community‑impact issues. We continue to share intelligence, assist with identifying offenders when required, and provide reassurance patrols in affected areas.

Actioned 17 March 2026

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

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