Catapult update - Paddock Wood & Capel

Dear Residents.

You may or may not be aware of the recent increase in the use of catapults in the areas of Paddock Wood and Capel. Thank you to those of you that have reported these incidents and those of you that contacted me directly about them. Over the past week and weekend I have followed up on these reports in person and spent time doing enquiries in the areas that have been effected by this issue looking for evidence of the offences committed. Whilst there are still enquiries to be completed, a lot of time and effort has gone into this issue over the past few days and will continue to do so in the future.

Whilst we obviously have to gain evidence in relation to offences committed by those who choose to possess and use catapults, I have been doing some work on individuals that have not necessarily committed offences, but have been identified in anti-social behaviour relating to catapults and nuisance vehicles. It is important for these individuals to know that this sort of behaviour is unacceptable and there are a range of options and ways in which we are dealing with this. During the week I held a joint meeting between partner agencies with a view to tackling these sorts of issues. Whether it be Housing Associations, Social Services, Probation, Youth Justice or the Council, it's important that we take a joint approach in anti-social behaviour and work together to reduce and deal with incidents. 

From the enquiries I have conducted over the last week, the amount of information and footage I have been sent and the timely reporting of these incidents, I have identified 5 more individuals and gathered the relevant evidence of them committing anti-social behaviour. Together with our partner agencies, we will be looking to issue them with the relevant orders, etc as soon as possible.

It is important that any incidents you believe to be necessary are reported to Kent Police, so they can be followed up on as promptly as possible. This issue is taken seriously by myself and Kent Police. Thanks to prompt reporting and the enquiries made following these reports, we are able to hold those responsible to account. 

This can be reported via the following channels:

999 - Emergency/Crime in progress.

101/Kent Police Live Chat/Online Reporting - Non-emergency.

Kind regards,

PC Connor Geelan.

Beat Officer - Paddock Wood & Capel.