Bearsted & Downswood

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

Bearsted & Downswood Local Policing Team

James Phillips

Police Constable

Local Priority Issues

Priority	Action taken
Catapults. Issued 15 July 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 15 July 2026
Highways obstructions. Issued 15 July 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 15 July 2026
Nuisance - general. Issued 15 July 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 15 July 2026
Catapults. Issued 14 April 2026	Officers carry out regular proactive patrols, both on foot and in vehicles, to address concerns about people carrying and using catapults. Where individuals are identified, appropriate action is taken using antisocial behaviour powers, education and other available legislation. This work helps to deter offending, protect wildlife and property, and reduce the impact of antisocial behaviour on the community. Residents are encouraged to report any concerns so that officers can continue to target patrols in the areas most affected. Actioned 03 July 2026
Road safety issues. Issued 14 April 2026	Regular vehicle patrols are carried out across the area, with officers stopping drivers where vehicle defects or road traffic offences are identified. Vehicles found to have no valid tax or insurance are seized, and enforcement action is taken where appropriate. Speed checks have also been carried out in areas where residents have raised concerns about speeding, helping to improve road safety and deter unsafe driving. Actioned 03 July 2026
Highway obstructions. Issued 14 April 2026	Regular vehicle patrols are carried out across the area, and any vehicles causing an obstruction or parked unsafely are dealt with where appropriate. When possible, officers will speak directly with vehicle owners and provide advice. Where drivers cannot be located, information leaflets may be placed on vehicles to highlight breaches of the Highway Code and encourage safer, more considerate parking. This ongoing activity helps improve road safety and reduce disruption for local residents. Actioned 03 July 2026

Priority

Action taken

Catapults.

Issued 15 July 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 15 July 2026

Highways obstructions.

Issued 15 July 2026

Actioned 15 July 2026

Nuisance - general.

Issued 15 July 2026

Actioned 15 July 2026

Catapults.

Issued 14 April 2026

Officers carry out regular proactive patrols, both on foot and in vehicles, to address concerns about people carrying and using catapults. Where individuals are identified, appropriate action is taken using antisocial behaviour powers, education and other available legislation. This work helps to deter offending, protect wildlife and property, and reduce the impact of antisocial behaviour on the community. Residents are encouraged to report any concerns so that officers can continue to target patrols in the areas most affected.

Actioned 03 July 2026

Road safety issues.

Issued 14 April 2026

Regular vehicle patrols are carried out across the area, with officers stopping drivers where vehicle defects or road traffic offences are identified. Vehicles found to have no valid tax or insurance are seized, and enforcement action is taken where appropriate. Speed checks have also been carried out in areas where residents have raised concerns about speeding, helping to improve road safety and deter unsafe driving.

Actioned 03 July 2026

Highway obstructions.

Issued 14 April 2026

Regular vehicle patrols are carried out across the area, and any vehicles causing an obstruction or parked unsafely are dealt with where appropriate. When possible, officers will speak directly with vehicle owners and provide advice. Where drivers cannot be located, information leaflets may be placed on vehicles to highlight breaches of the Highway Code and encourage safer, more considerate parking. This ongoing activity helps improve road safety and reduce disruption for local residents.

Actioned 03 July 2026