Community Update

Community Update

Dear Residents, 

Vehicle interference update 

I would like to provide residents with an update regarding the series of vehicle interference offences reported across Southborough and Bidborough on 10 October 2026.

Despite extensive enquiries, including the review of CCTV and doorbell footage, house-to-house enquiries, and forensic examinations at a number of locations, the offender has unfortunately not been identified. Whilst officers were able to establish the suspected offender's movements through the area, the available CCTV was not of sufficient quality to identify the individual, and forensic opportunities did not result in any positive identification.

As all reasonable lines of enquiry have now been exhausted, the linked investigations will be filed pending any new information coming to light. Should the offender be identified in the future, the investigations can be reviewed and progressed accordingly.

I would like to thank residents for their support, cooperation, and assistance throughout the investigation.

Vape Shop Southborough 

On Friday 23 October 2026, I carried out a joint operation at a vape shop in Southborough alongside Trading Standards, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, with the help of a specialist tobacco detection dog.

During the visit, a quantity of illicit cigarettes concealed within a purpose-built hide were discovered.  

Also located were illegal weight-loss injections, which are not authorised for sale, as well as a number of non-compliant vapes that do not meet UK legal requirements for sale. 

All of these items have now been seized, and Trading Standards are leading the ongoing investigation. As a result of the findings, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council has issued the premises with a Community Protection Warning. 

Should the business fail to comply with the conditions set out within the warning, it may face further enforcement action, including prosecution and potential closure.

Illicit tobacco products, unregulated vaping devices and illegal medicines pose significant risks to public health. These products are often manufactured outside of safety regulations and quality controls, meaning consumers cannot be certain what ingredients they contain. 

Road Safety 

I know that road safety and speeding continue to be key concerns for many residents across the area. This week, I have carried out further enforcement activity and have removed illegally used electric scooters from our roads. 

These electric scooters can pose a risk to both riders and other road users when used unlawfully on the public highways. 

Tackling road safety issues remains a priority, and enforcement will continue throughout the winter months as I work to keep our communities safe.

As always, thank you for your continued support.

PC 14889 Danny Barnes 

Beat Officer

Neighbourhood Policing Team