A police drone has played a key role in cracking down on antisocial behaviour in Ashford after local residents reported nuisance motorbikes being ridden dangerously through the Stanhope area.
On Wednesday 8 July, Kent Police received multiple reports of riders speeding along footpaths and pedestrianised zones, forcing distressed passers-by to dodge out of the way to avoid collisions. Officers from Ashford’s Neighbourhood Task Force deployed to the scene and launched a drone to track the suspects safely from above, trailing two motorcycles back to a nearby address.
Attending patrols arrested a 15-year-old boy at the property on suspicion of dangerous driving, driving without insurance, and driving otherwise in accordance with a licence. He was subsequently charged with eight offences, comprising five motoring offences and three outstanding shoplifting charges, and is scheduled to appear at Folkestone Magistrates’ Court on 21 July.
A second teenage boy has been identified and will be interviewed as part of the ongoing investigation, while officers seized two motorbikes allegedly involved in the incident.
Detective Inspector Simon Johnson said:
‘By combining local knowledge, technology and teamwork, officers were able to take swift and positive action against a group of young people causing a disturbance in their local community.
‘We will continue to use every tool at our disposal, including drones, to tackle antisocial behaviour head on. Our officers will not hesitate to act against anyone displaying unwanted behaviour or using vehicles to cause distress to those around them.’
Kent Police YouTube video https://youtu.be/G_cYJxIAq6o