Kent Police update April 2013 - Sandgate, Cheriton and Morehall

PCSO Mark Ball attended the One Stop in Cheriton Road in relation to a report of Robbery. From viewing the stores CCTV Officer Ball was able to ascertain the direction of travel before and after the event. From checking other local stores CCTV footage it was determined that the original target had been The Coop. Footage shows the male suspect attempting to enter the store just before they were scheduled to open and upon being unable to gain access proceeded to the One Stop. This investigation is currently on going.

On 3rd Wednesday April PCSO Mark Ball conducted a routine patrol of the old derelict Royal Victoria Hospital, which has suffered various counts of criminal damage and theft over the past year. A group of young males were found on the premises, which fled the area. Officer Ball was successful in seizing and disposing of the group's drug paraphernalia and alcohol.

PCSO's Laura Zazo and Mark Ball attended a meeting with managerial staff of Saga in Sandgate and discussed the success of previous high visibilities as well as future patrolling of the grounds. It was recognised that the continued patrols around the Saga premises has resulted in a dramatic decrease in the levels of Anti-social behaviour and criminal damage.

Whilst on foot patrol in the Sandgate area, Officers Laura Zazo and Mark Ball were approached by a member of public who reported the theft of items from himself and his neighbour's property. A search of the surrounding area resulted in some of the property being found. Residential CCTV was viewed showing 4 young males taking the items. This investigation is currently on going.

On Friday 26th April PCSO's Mark Ball and Laura Zazo attended a business address in Hythe in relation to a report of Criminal Damage. The suspect was quickly identified and is currently under investigation.

Responding to a report of Theft/Shoplifting PCSO's Sarah Wallace and Mark Ball attended Asda Stores in Folkestone town centre. The female suspect who had initially been detained by store security was subsequently cautioned and arrested.

Current crime statistics

When compared with last year's crime figures Sandgate is down by 7.7%, Cheriton is down by 14.8% and Morehall is up by 8.1%. As with last month's report, crime statistics are very encouraging for both the areas of Sandgate and Cheriton. The increase in crime stats in the Morehall area of 8.1% is predominantly a result of Shoplifting from the One Stop. Regular foot patrols are conducted in and around One Stop with local officers routinely liaising with store staff.

Reports of Theft/Shoplifting in Cheriton are continuously being monitored by PCSO's Karen Tappenden, Laura Zazo and Mark Ball. As a result targeted patrols are still being conducted in:

• The Coop
• Tesco Store
• BP Petrol Station

Local officers will continue to liaise with partner agencies, local Neighbourhood Watch coordinators, shop managers and their respective teams in order to make Sandgate and Cheriton a safer place to work, live and visit.

Surgery Dates

• Saturday 11th May 2013 from 10:30 to 11:30am, at All Souls Church (Chilham Road Residents Meeting)
• Wednesday 29th May 2013 from 10:30 to 11:30am, at St Andrews Church
• Monday 10th June 2013 from 11:30am to 12:30pm, at Sandgate Library