Crime in east downs, swale

This is a priority for the next 3 months. We have identified this based on feedback from local residents, crime data, and ongoing concerns in the area.

We’ll publish an update in the coming months to let you know what we’ve done, what progress has been made, and what’s next.

This is a priority for the next 3 months. We have identified this based on feedback from local residents, crime data, and ongoing concerns in the area.

We’ll publish an update in the coming months to let you know what we’ve done, what progress has been made, and what’s next.

This is a priority for the next 3 months. We have identified this based on feedback from local residents, crime data, and ongoing concerns in the area.

We’ll publish an update in the coming months to let you know what we’ve done, what progress has been made, and what’s next.

We have been working closely with Ashford Borough Council to tackle fly‑tipping in the area. Together, we have carried out several days of action, visiting locations where fly‑tipping happens most often and speaking with people linked to these issues. During this work, several vehicles were stopped and checks were carried out on paperwork and loads to make sure waste was being carried legally.

We have also been sharing information in a lawful way about scrap metal dealing in the local area. This helps the police and our partners better understand what is happening and take appropriate action.

As part of this joint work, a business in Hothfield was found not to be following the conditions of its scrap metal licence and was shut down. Ashford Borough Council issued a closure order, which has helped stop illegal activity linked to waste and scrap metal.

We have also supported Kent County Council with enforcement work in the Furley area. An unlawful site was found to be operating an unlicensed scrap metal business that was affecting the wider district. Kent County Council has now taken action, disrupting this illegal operation and reducing its impact on local communities.

We have joined Farm Watch so we can work more closely with farmers and people living in rural areas. This helps us spot crime trends early, particularly thefts involving farm equipment and machinery.

Officers have also carried out intensification weeks in areas where there have been concerns about farm break‑ins. During these weeks, officers spend extra time in hotspot locations, increasing patrols, stopping suspicious vehicles, and speaking directly with farmers and residents. This work helps prevent crime, reassure the community, and identify offenders.

We have also been patrolling known "red routes". These are routes believed to be regularly used by offenders targeting rural communities.

In addition, a property‑marking event was held in Biddenden and advertised across the district. This gave farmers and landowners the opportunity to mark their equipment and machinery, helping to protect their property and make stolen items easier to identify.