Folkestone’s Town Beat Team had a busy day on Thursday 8 June 2023, as they arrested five suspects who were wanted for a number of offences.
The team, which is part of Kent Police’s new neighbourhood policing model, showed their dedication and efficiency by catching the fugitives in just over eight hours.
The first arrest happened at 11am, when the officers spotted a 17-year-old boy who was wanted for harassing someone. He was quickly stopped and taken into custody.
Arson
Just 20 minutes later, the team was patrolling Sandgate Road when they recognised a man who was wanted for arson. He did not have a chance to escape as he was swiftly arrested.
At 11.50am, the officers tracked down a man who was wanted on recall to prison at a gym in the town. He was arrested and sent back to jail.
The fourth arrest occurred shortly after 5pm, when a man was caught stealing from a shop in Bouverie Road West. He was arrested on suspicion of theft.
The final arrest of the day happened at 7.25pm, when a suspect who had failed to appear at court was located by the Neighbourhood Task Force. He was arrested and transferred to court.
Detective Inspector James Wyles, of Folkestone Community Safety Unit, praised the team for their outstanding work. He said: ‘This is exactly what neighbourhood policing is all about, officers who know their area, arresting wanted suspects to keep the town safe.
‘Neighbourhood Policing remains the bedrock of Kent Police’s service to the public – keeping people safe and targeting those who pose the greatest risk to our communities.’
The arrests were part of Kent Police’s #SaferSummer campaign, which aims to tackle violent crime, anti-social behaviour and road safety issues across the county.
The campaign also encourages people to sign up to My Community Voice, a messaging service that allows residents, businesses and community groups to keep in touch with their local policing teams and have their say on how they can be helped to feel safer.
For more information about Kent Police’s #SaferSummer campaign and My Community Voice, or search for #SaferSummer on Twitter.