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	Officers have increased patrols in response to concerns about the misuse of catapults, particularly around Mallards Lake. Where young people have been identified as being involved, officers have provided educational workbooks and worked with schools to raise awareness of the risks and consequences of using catapults. Through ongoing patrols, engagement and education, officers are working to prevent antisocial behaviour and improve community safety. Actioned 30 September 2026
Highways obstructions. Issued 15 July 2026	Officers continue to work with local schools to help improve safety for children travelling to and from school. Reports of highway obstructions are reviewed to identify the most appropriate agency to take action and help prevent future problems. Officers and partners will continue to monitor concerns and work together to improve safety in the area. Actioned 30 September 2026
Nuisance - general. Issued 15 July 2026	Officers have increased patrols at Mallards Lake and the Bearsted Woodland Trust in response to concerns about antisocial behaviour during the summer months. These patrols help identify those involved in antisocial behaviour, provide reassurance to visitors and support the safe use of local green spaces. Officers continue to work with the community to ensure these areas remain welcoming, enjoyable and safe for everyone. Actioned 30 September 2026

Priority

Action taken

Catapults.

Issued 15 July 2026

Officers have increased patrols in response to concerns about the misuse of catapults, particularly around Mallards Lake.

Where young people have been identified as being involved, officers have provided educational workbooks and worked with schools to raise awareness of the risks and consequences of using catapults. Through ongoing patrols, engagement and education, officers are working to prevent antisocial behaviour and improve community safety.

Actioned 30 September 2026

Highways obstructions.

Issued 15 July 2026

Officers continue to work with local schools to help improve safety for children travelling to and from school.

Reports of highway obstructions are reviewed to identify the most appropriate agency to take action and help prevent future problems. Officers and partners will continue to monitor concerns and work together to improve safety in the area.

Actioned 30 September 2026

Nuisance - general.

Issued 15 July 2026

Officers have increased patrols at Mallards Lake and the Bearsted Woodland Trust in response to concerns about antisocial behaviour during the summer months. These patrols help identify those involved in antisocial behaviour, provide reassurance to visitors and support the safe use of local green spaces. Officers continue to work with the community to ensure these areas remain welcoming, enjoyable and safe for everyone.

Actioned 30 September 2026