A dedicated beat officer is at the heart of a renewed focus in Paddock Wood aimed at reducing crime and anti-social behaviour.
Over the past year, PC Connor Geelan has been engaging closely with residents and local businesses to help tackle issues and concerns including women’s safety, shoplifting and speeding.
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The Community Safety Unit constable recently helped orchestrate a day of action in the town, assisted by other officers on foot and cycle patrols in locations around Commercial Road, Church Road and Putlands. The enhanced activity took place on Friday 3 May and included visits to several shops and businesses, as well as a town centre questionnaire to gain a better understanding of any safety concerns women and girls may have. It led to new intelligence around suspected shoplifters, and PCSOs assisted speed checks in Maidstone Road and Warrington Road.
Inspector Chris Mayers said:
‘Since the beginning of this year, we are encouraged that there has been a fall in reported incidents of anti-social behaviour in Paddock Wood, compared to the same period in 2023.
‘We want beat officers like PC Geelan to be instrumental in the communities they serve, in helping to reduce and address local concerns and crime and hope their work will continue to play an important part in keeping the town’s neighbourhoods and shopping areas safe.
‘Our officers and PCSOs will continue to patrol local parks, streets and known anti-social behaviour hotspots and we also continue to urge residents to report any incidents to us. This is so important, as it helps build an accurate picture of where there may be persistent problems.’
Report anti-social behaviour online via our online portal. If a crime is in progress, call 999.