General update - Paddock Wood - Neighbourhood Alert

General update - Paddock Wood

Dear Residents.

Since the last update, Louis and I have continued targeted patrols and enforcement activity across Paddock Wood to address concerns raised by residents.

Road Safety & Highway obstructions:

We have continued to patrol locations affected by nuisance motorbikes and quad bikes following reports from residents and the Town Council.

Community Speedwatch activity was supported on Maidstone Road, helping to identify and educate drivers exceeding speed limits.

Reports of nuisance mopeds and suspicious vehicle activity have been reviewed, followed up and investigated.

After concerns were raised by a resident whilst on patrol, a fallen tree in a dangerous position affecting telecommunications infrastructure was reported to Openreach and action was taken to make the area safe.

Further official warnings have been handed out to drivers parked illegally, and a further ticket was issued to a driver for illegal parking near to the Primary School.

During patrols, officers stopped a driver who was using a mobile phone whilst driving. Further enquiries revealed the driver had no driving licence and no insurance, resulting in the vehicle being seized and the driver being interviewed regarding the offences.

We will continue proactive patrols and enforcement work to improve road safety and tackle anti-social vehicle use across the town.

Catapults:

We have recently received several reports relating to the misuse of catapults in Paddock Wood and the Tunbridge Wells area as a whole. We have:

Investigated reports of catapults being used over a period of several days.

Followed up reports involving ball bearings being found in residential gardens and conducted CCTV and local enquiries where available.

Stopped and searched a youth following concerns they may have been carrying a BB gun. No firearm was found, however a catapult and stones were recovered. Parents were spoken to and appropriate police procedures completed.

The misuse of catapults can cause significant injury, damage property and create fear within the community. We ask parents and guardians to speak with young people about the dangers and consequences of carrying or using these items irresponsibly.

If you see anyone using a catapult, I would urge you to call this into Kent Police on 999.

New police community drop-in sessions have also been arranged through to March 2027, providing residents with opportunities to discuss concerns directly with their local officers. These can be found on the Paddock Wood My Community Voice page via this link:

https://www.mycommunityvoicekent.co.uk/Content/LocalArea/81463/Paddock%20Wood.

As always, please ensure all incidents you believe necessary are reported to Kent Police.

999 - Emergency/crime in progress.

101/Online reporting - Non-emergency.

Kind regards,

PC Connor Geelan & PC Louis Scudder.

Beat Officer's - Paddock Wood.

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Message Sent By
Connor Geelan
(Kent Police, Police Constable, Tunbridge Wells Neighbourhood Policing Team)