Downs West
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.
Downs West Local Policing Team

Aaron Hopkins
Police Constable
Local Priority Issues
| Priority | Action taken |
|---|---|
|
Road safety issues. Issued 17 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. Actioned 17 July 2026 |
|
Wildlife crime issues. Issued 17 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. Actioned 17 July 2026 |
|
Fly tipping. Issued 17 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. Actioned 17 July 2026 |
|
Road safety issues. Issued 14 April 2026 |
Following proactive patrols along the A20 corridor between Folkestone and Ashford, officers from the Folkestone Neighbourhood Team stopped an overseas HGV on the A20 at Mersham. During the stop, several kilos of cocaine were found hidden in the back of the vehicle. One person was arrested and charged with being concerned in the fraudulent evasion of a Class A drug, which means they are accused of being involved in trying to avoid legal checks linked to bringing illegal drugs into the country. Actioned 30 June 2026 |
|
Residential burglary. Issued 14 April 2026 |
Following a report that gates had been stolen from a residential property in the Hastingleigh area, officers carried out enquiries and quickly traced and recovered the stolen items after identifying a vehicle suspected of being involved. During the investigation, additional gates believed to have been stolen were also located and recovered. Several individuals were arrested in connection with the offences and remain subject to bail conditions while enquiries continue. Bail conditions are rules that a person must follow while an investigation is ongoing or while they await a court hearing. Actioned 30 June 2026 |
|
Farm equipment thefts. Issued 14 April 2026 |
Neighbourhood officers have been working alongside the Rural Task Force to deliver property marking events across local rural communities. Property marking involves adding a unique identifying mark to valuable items, making them easier to trace and return to their owners if they are lost or stolen. These events are held regularly throughout the year and are advertised through My Community Voice, a free messaging service that provides local policing updates and crime prevention advice. Local residents are encouraged to attend to learn more about protecting their property and reducing the risk of theft. Actioned 30 June 2026 |
What members in Downs West are saying are the issues in the area:
Latest Alerts
The Butterfly Project - Walk and Talk : Fri 14 Aug 18:00
Dear Resident, Neighbourhood Officers will be holding The Butterfly Project - Walk and Talk, ...
Key Priorities Discussion with Local Beat Officer : Mon 03 Aug 09:00
Dear Resident, I will be holding a surgery at Charing Playing Fields, Charing at 09:00 on Mon...
A Heartfelt Thank You to Our My Community Voice Members
Resident We would like to take this opportunity to say a sincere thank you for being a value...
July Newsletter
Our July Newsletter is here! Scan the QR code or click the link below to catch up on what is happe...
Violence Against Woman and Girls Update - Male arrested in Ashford for new S.4B Public Order Act offence (Sex Based Harassment offence)
Dear Resident, I wanted to provide you with an update regarding Violence against women and girls...
Police Attend Camp Fire at Wye Downs
On Friday evening, officers attended Wye Downs following reports of a camp fire being lit within the...
Catapults Seized Following Reports in Ashford
Kent Police attended reports of youths using catapults and causing damage to property in the Littleb...
🚔 Joint Roads Policing Operation Across Ashford District 🚔
Officers from Response Teams, Neighbourhood Policing Team and Road Policing Unit recently joined for...
Upcoming Events
- Charing Playing Fields, , TN27 0JJ
- 03/08/2026 09:00
- Add to calendar
- Starbucks , Ashford Designer Outlet, TN24 0SD
- 14/08/2026 18:00
- Add to calendar
- Perry Court Farm, Canterbury Road, TN25 4ES
- 01/09/2026 15:00
- Add to calendar
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