Kent Police update January 2013 - Cheriton and Morehall

On Sunday 30th December PCSO Mark Ball attended One Stop in Cheriton Road in relation to a report of Shoplifting. From viewing the stores CCTV Officer Ball identified the male who was subsequently arrested.

On Friday 4th January 2013 PCSO Mark Ball and PCSO Gary Carr attended Bouverie Place Shopping Centre in relation to a report of nuisance youths who were verbally abusive to members of the public. The group were stopped and quickly identified and moved on from the area. Parents will be informed of their conduct.

Whilst on routine patrol of Hawkinge Cemetery PCSO's Gary Carr and Mark Ball stopped and spoke with a small group of persons who found to be drinking in the cemetery grounds. They were provided suitable words of advice and moved on from the area.

PCSO's Mark Ball and Gary Carr attended the Leas Cliff car park in relation to a report of nuisance youths. The group were stopped and moved on from the area with suitable words of advice.

On Thursday 10th January PCSO Mark Ball conducted a Surgery at Cheriton Baptist Church, where he spoke in confidence with several members of the public regarding their individual concerns.

PCSO Mark Ball attended Tesco Store in Cheriton High Street in relation to a report of Theft/Shoplifting. From viewing the stores CCTV PCSO Ball was able to positively identify the group. The store subsequently banned the group.

On Tuesday 15th January 2013 PCSO Mark Ball conducted a joint patrol with Shepway Parking Services outside Cheriton Primary School in order to tackle the issues of parking on double yellow lines by parents/guardians.

On Wednesday 23rd January local Officers Karen Tappenden and Mark Ball attended Pent Valley Technology College where they provided security marking of valuables for both students and staff alike. Advice on security of personal belongings was also provided.

On Sunday 27th January PCSO's Mark Ball and Gary Carr attended the One Stop store in Cheriton Road, in relation to a report of Theft/Shoplifting. A search was conducted for the persons responsible and a group of 3 young persons were stopped in Morrison's car park. They were escorted back to the store where they apologised to staff and paid for the items taken. They were subsequently Banned from the store and interviewed by Police.

Whilst on foot patrol of Folkestone town centre PCSO's Mark Ball and Gary Carr have attended The Coop in response to a report of Theft/shoplifting, where the suspects made verbal threats to stab staff. The 2 males responsible were quickly located and identified. The pair were arrested and escorted to Folkestone police station

High Visibility Patrols:

When compared with last years crime figures Cheriton is down by 17.8% and Morehall is exactly the same. As with the report for November and December, although the crime statistics are very encouraging there still remains an on going issue with Theft/Shoplifting, which is higher in both Cheriton and Morehall than last years recorded figures.

Reports of Theft/Shoplifting have come predominantly from Tesco Store, The Coop and One Stop. As a result targeted patrols are still being conducted in:

• Cheriton High Street
• Tesco Store
• One Stop

Local officers Karen Tappenden and Mark Ball will continue to liaise with partner agencies, local Neighbourhood Watch coordinators, shop managers and their respective teams.