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Get ready for some fantastic news. Tonbridge and Malling are seeing a remarkable turnaround, with antisocial behaviour plummeting across the board!
In Tonbridge town centre, a whopping 30% decrease has been recorded! That’s right, from 297 incidents last year to just 216 this year. Our dedicated officers have been out in force, with proactive hotspot patrols making a real difference in keeping our High Street, retail parks, and public spaces safe and enjoyable for everyone.
Chief Inspector Mark Stubberfield said:
‘Hotspot policing focuses resources to specific places where crime or antisocial behaviour is known to take place and has resulted in more than 500 intelligence led patrols across the town in the last six months. These have included officers responding to disorder linked to pubs and takeaways, as well as concerns including car meets in nearby East Peckham.
‘Efforts by our officers and PCSOs to positively engage with young people in Tonbridge are also being assisted by the Government’s Department for Culture, Media and Sport. A 12-week action plan will include help from the Tonbridge Amateur Boxing Association, which will run sessions with children encouraging fitness, discipline and team building skills.’
But that’s not all! The commitment to community safety goes beyond just numbers. Beat officers are actively engaging with women and girls, listening to their concerns about lighting, CCTV, and where they’d like to see more police presence. We’re working together to make Tonbridge an even safer place for everyone.
And the good news doesn’t stop there! Snodland is also celebrating a 33% reduction in antisocial behaviour, with reported incidents falling from 263 to 175. This incredible achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our local police force.
It’s clear that proactive policing, community engagement, and a focus on safety are paying off! Let’s keep this positive momentum going and continue to make Tonbridge and Malling a fantastic place to live, work, and play!
Chief Insp Stubberfield added:
‘Our officers and PCSOs will continue to patrol known antisocial behaviour hotspots to prevent, identify and arrest those responsible for thefts, assaults, and often mindless damage to property.
‘Proactive hotspot patrols in Snodland include retail areas in the vicinity of Holborough Road, where concerns have been linked to large gatherings and noise from nuisance vehicles. Enforcement powers such as dispersal orders, have recently resulted in 14 warning letters sent to registered keepers of cars. A repeat of antisocial behaviour can also result in vehicles being seized and destroyed.’