As the World Cup starts, residents and visitors to Maidstone continue to be greeted by high visibility patrols focused on preventing crime.
Between Friday 18 and Sunday 20 November 2022, officers were on foot patrol in the town centre and checked several people suspected of being involved in crime.
Drugs
They also completed searches for drugs and weapons in Brenchley Gardens and near the towpath on the River Medway. No weapons were located but a quantity of nitrous oxide containers and cannabis was seized.
Disorderly behaviour
Visits were made to licensed premises as part of the work with management teams and security staff to tackle anti-social or disorderly behaviour at an early stage.
A man wanted on suspicion of the theft of a vehicle was located in the town centre and detained. A further suspect was arrested outside a bar after he was found to be in possession of controlled drugs.
On Monday 21 November, the Maidstone Town Centre Task Force visited venues in the town centre where the England football match was being shown. This will continue as the tournament progresses.
Reassuring presence
The District Commander for Maidstone, Chief Inspector Mark McLellan, said: ‘The majority of those who spoke to our patrols appreciated the reassuring presence of my officers. I was pleased to note that those football fans we encountered during the England match were in good spirits and well behaved.
‘This proactive patrolling will continue throughout November and into December as we work with CCTV operators and staff at licensed premises to keep the town safe for residents, businesses and visitors.’