General update/Rogue traders warning - Paddock Wood

Dear Residents. 

Over the last few weeks PC Scudder and I have been working on a large array of different incidents, reports and events in the community, as well as attending emergency calls over the Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells district's. . Here is a brief insight into what work has been done in Paddock Wood and the surrounding areas, as well as a heads up on some recent incidents to be aware of:

Catapults:

Whilst the number of reports of catapults has reduced since I became the Beat Officer in Paddock Wood, we are aware that reports do still occasionally come in of them. Whilst a large number of ABA's have been issued in the past, it is important that these are followed up on should the conditions be broken. Last month we received a report of criminal damage whereby the suspect's used a catapult and caused damage to the victims home. Thanks to CCTV footage provided to us, all three teenage suspects were promptly identified and issued with community resolutions, which included an order for them to pay the victim back £250 for the damage caused. 

Rogue Trading:

Last week we responded to a report of rogue trading in Paddock Wood. The suspect has offered to complete work on the victims garden, and charged them prior to completing the work. After the payment was made, they did not return. We followed up on this in person, and have started multiple enquiries into the suspect. The investigation is ongoing and therefor I cannot discuss this too much further.

Please ensure that when getting any work done, you check that they are a trusted trader first. One of the best ways to do this is by searching the following website for a trading standards approved tradesperson: https://www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk/.

Road safety/speeding:

Whilst policing the Rockin' the Rec event, we were approached by a member of the public who was concerned with speeding on Church Road. Together with a colleague from a neighbouring area, we conducted speed checks on Church Road. Whilst no one was caught speeding, this will continue in the future in and around Paddock Wood, with a view to deter dangerous driving in Paddock Wood. 

In addition to this, whilst on patrol in Paddock Wood, PC Scudder and I stopped a vehicle with no insurance. The driver was issued a traffic offence report.  

Anti-social behaviour (ASB):

Work has continued on dealing with, deterring and looking to reduce levels of ASB in Paddock Wood. Together with the Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, various housing associations and other relevant agencies, we have continued to work on different complaints of ASB. Last week, PC Scudder and I attended 4 different addresses with the council, and issued warnings to each. Should the behaviour continue, then this will be escalated, which ultimately will result in those responsible being issued fines and/or court.

Shoplifting:

Following on from the work PC Scudder and I have been putting into dealing with shoplifting in a certain store within the town, 29 individuals have now been identified, and dealt with for shoplifting. Due to the success of this specific plan put into place by us, it will now be widened to multiple other stores in Paddock Wood. 

Please continue to ensure that all incidents you believe to be necessary are reported to the relevant agencies. Together, PC Scudder and I are committed to doing as much as possible to ensure Paddock Wood is a safe place to live, work and visit. Please ensure any reports to Kent Police are made via:

999 - Emergency/crime in progress.

101/Online reporting/Live chat - Non-emergency.

Kind regards,

PC Connor Geelan & PC Louis Scudder.

Beat Officer's - Paddock Wood.