Kent Police update November & December 2012 - Cheriton and Morehall

This is the update for the months of November and December, for Cheriton, Morehall and surrounding areas.

On Wednesday 7th November 2012 PCSO Mark Ball attended the One Stop shop in relation to a report of a member of public attempting to buy items using £100 worth of counterfeit money. Upon viewing the stores CCTV, the identification of the suspect was ascertained. The case is currently on going.

PCSO's Karen Tappenden, Mark Ball and Gary Carr attended Age Concern in Shaftesbury Avenue and spoke with members of the community regarding any individual concerns and provided security marking and advice.

On Monday 26th November 2012 PCSO's Karen Tappenden, Gary Carr and Mark Ball joined Parking Enforcement Officers outside Cheriton Primary in order to tackle the issue of parents parking on zig zag lines.

Parking enforcement officers and local Councillors have been successful in having the double yellow lines outside of Cheriton Primary School re-painted. Enforcement officers will now be able to fine drivers parking in these locations.

On Thursday 6th December PCSO Mark Ball attended Tesco Stores in Cheriton, in relation to a report of Theft/Shoplifting. The teenage male was stopped by store security and items retrieved. Parents were spoken to regarding the young mans conduct and he was subsequently Banned from the store.

PCSO's Karen Tappenden and Mark Ball conducted security marking at Pent Valley School for students and staff. Security marking was provided for mobile phones and other valuables.

Continued high visibility patrols in Cheriton Park have seen a decrease in the levels of Anti-social behaviour. Officers will continue to maintain regular evening patrols in the park and surrounding roads.

After regular meetings between local residents, councillors and PCSO's, Shepway District Council have funded a staggered gate to the entrance leading from Chilham Road into Cheriton Park, as well as perimeter fencing to replace the damaged bushes in Chilham Road.

PCSO's Gary Carr and Mark Ball responded to a call from ASDA security in relation to a male who was seen on store CCTV cutting off security labels and concealing items in his bag. Upon stopping the male he became verbally and physically aggressive and was subsequently restrained and detained by the officers. All items were retrieved and returned to store security.

Local officers Karen Tappenden and Mark Ball liaised with Cllr Tim Prater and Shepway Parking Services in relation to complaints of parents/guardians causing a safety hazard by parking on double yellow lines whilst dropping off their children to Cheriton Primary School.

Despite local officers and their parking enforcement colleagues attending and speaking with several motorists regarding the issue there were many parents who continued to park on the yellow lines. At this time enforcement officers were unable to supply parking fines as the yellow lines outside the school were faded.

As a result the double yellow lines outside of Cheriton Primary have now been repainted, which also includes the junction with Church Road and Pond Hill Avenue. Joint patrols between local officers and Shepway Parking Services have been scheduled to target anyone parking on the new double yellow lines.

High Visibility Patrols:

Current crime statistics are: When compared with last years crime figures Cheriton is down by 18.8% and Morehall is down by 0.6%. As with the report for October, 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.

The majority of criminal damage is still the subject of people under the influence of drink and/or drugs, especially surrounding groups between the ages of 14 - 17 yrs old. Reports of Theft/Shoplifting have come predominantly from Tesco Store, The Coop and One Stop. As a result targeted patrols are being conducted in:

• Cheriton Park
• 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.