E-scooters.

Issued 15 October 2025

Many e‑scooters have been taken away because they were being used without insurance or were involved in traffic offences. Some riders have also been given advice to help them understand the rules. Thanks to this work, there are now fewer e‑scooters being used illegally, especially in the town centre.

We have more action days planned to deal with unsafe or illegal e‑scooter use. A short video was shared across the Kent Police social media channels and by the Home Office to explain the enforcement work taking place locally.

We are also working with Ashford Borough Council to update the local Public Spaces Protection Order. This is a set of rules that helps deal with antisocial behaviour in public places. The update would allow the rules to cover e‑scooters and make it clear what action can be taken if they are used illegally in the area.

Actioned 16 January 2026

Catapults.

Issued 15 October 2025

We continue to patrol the area with high‑visibility officers to deter catapult‑related crime. We have also issued antisocial behaviour agreements and Community Protection Warnings to young people who have been causing ongoing problems in the community. These measures require the individuals and their families to work with the police and partner agencies and to agree to stop certain types of harmful behaviour.

We are also working with local schools through our Child Centred Policing Teams to talk about the dangers and misuse of catapults. Alongside this, we have worked with Ashford Borough Council to introduce a Public Spaces Protection Order in Ashford Town Centre. This is a set of rules designed to tackle antisocial behaviour in public areas.

After gathering evidence with the council, it was clear that catapults were causing issues in the town centre. As a result, the Public Spaces Protection Order now bans people from carrying catapults and items that can be used as bearings. The order also explains what action can be taken if e‑scooters are used illegally in the area.

Actioned 16 January 2026

Antisocial behaviour (ASB) - nuisance.

Issued 15 October 2025

Officers have seized bikes with no insurance, dealt with careless driving, and given out Section 59 notices for antisocial behaviour. Section 59 is designed to quickly stop nuisance driving, protect communities, and prevent ongoing antisocial behaviour linked to vehicles.

Recently, we seized an off-road bike in Goteley Meres, Kennington because it had no insurance. The rider was also reported for not having the correct licence.

We have also seized a number of nuisance vehicles for various traffic offences at hot spot locations. We continue to work with local businesses to support them in reducing nuisance vehicle gatherings.

Actioned 16 January 2026