Rural Matters Rural policing in – a magazine for residents and businesses Summer 2017

In this issue:

Fly tipping Caravan thefts Protecting heritage

Plus the latest news on rural and environmental policing in Kent Introduction Latest news

New sergeant responsible for Rural Liaison Team Welcome to Rural Matters. See inside for the latest news on how Kent Police is working with partner agencies to prevent crime. ‘I’d like to take this opportunity to We report on new measures to protect heritage sites; staying vigilant against rogue traders; keeping caravans safe, introduce myself to Rural Matters and how you can report fly tipping. readers. I’m Sergeant Darren Walshaw, We’ve the latest contact information on the Rural Liaison Team – officers dedicated to supporting Kent’s rural communities. the new sergeant responsible for the Rural Liaison Team. I was born and raised on a farm, so Team Leader Rural Sergeant the rural community and way of life is never far from my thoughts. While North Division Insp Dave Smith Sgt Darren Walshaw at Hadlow College to study general 07800 675376 07870 252185 agriculture I worked on a large farming PC Preston Frost estate in Sittingbourne, joining the 07980 770574 livestock team and spending 14 years as shepherd/stockman, successfully showing livestock at the South of PC Darren Reed England Show and Kent County Show. 07989 992283 North Division I’ve been with Kent Police since 2000 working with community and neighbourhood policing units, as a response officer and as a custody sergeant at Medway Custody. While with Faversham Rural Task Force I worked New team member PC Nick Lingham with landowners and gamekeepers Another new Rural Liaison Team officer is PC Nick Lingham, pictured on Operation Tree, a joint Swale and right. He takes over from long standing West Division rural officer operation to combat hare PC Geordie Laidlow, who retired in January. PC Lingham originally coursing, which resulted in successful worked in a response team in North Kent, moving to neighbourhood prosecutions. This operation has policing in the Swanley area and latterly in West Malling. He started now evolved into today’s Operation work with the Rural Task Force in January 2017. Contact PC Lingham Salmon against poaching offences. (see details opposite). New role for Geordie, see page 14. I’ve worked with the rural community East Division during investigations with Kent Fire and Rescue Service into a series of understanding seasonal changes team needs the backing and trust of the large barn fires in Swale; utilised new and the impact on rural criminality. community. I’d ask rural residents to anti-social behaviour legislation and This gives me a platform to build work with the team by reporting anything delivered the Kent Police response to relationships and trust in Kent Police. that is to them ‘not quite right.’ In return the summer population increase in I understand the need to support it’s important to show and update our Leysdown in 2013 and 2014. I feel residents and landowners affected by rural communities about the work we comfortable within the rural community, rural crime and that to be successful the do and the results we’re getting.’ East Division West Division PC Wayne Wright Latest news from the Rural Liaison Team PC Marc Pennicott 07980 770585 07980 700534 • The team were recently involved in a day of action, working with Trading Standards, PC Dan Perry targeting rogue trading and fraud. The offences are linked to teams of travelling PC Nick Lingham 07967 331664 07817 956427 criminals committing high value frauds against elderly repeat victims. See page 6. • Suspects wanted in relation to an elderly man who had £2,000 stolen in a burglary were identified in the vehicle (pictured left) driven dangerously while eluding police patrols. It was tactically stopped. Both occupants were arrested. • A tactical vehicle stop by rural officers from North Division of two vehicles whose occupants were believed to be involved in the supply of firearms and ammunition led to four people arrested and a live firearm and ammunition found. Your rural PCs are also on Twitter! • Officers are investigating a report from the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons that a person in the Ashford area had been falsely conducting veterinary work under Our officers regularly provide updates on their work, including what to watch out for and any live a genuine vet’s details. Inquiries are continuing. incidents – plus the latest crime prevention advice on rural issues. • A case file is being prepared by one of the team in partnership with the National Follow @kentpolicerural for the latest news and information. Wildlife Crime Unit around Bat Habitat destruction.

2 3 Feature

First National Maritime Heritage Metal Theft Workshop

Historic England organised a national workshop at Leeds Castle to step up the fight against unlawful salvage and theft from historic shipwrecks. It was part of national Operation Crucible, which focuses on the prevention, investigation and enforcement of metal theft from the historic environment on land and under the sea. Over 70 delegates including police, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, the diving community, and academic and security sectors are working together to develop a strategy to tackle this heritage crime. National Policing and Crime Adviser for Historic England, Mark Harrison, said: ‘Our message to criminals who are stealing metal from historic shipwrecks Left to right Peter Rolington (Country Eye); Sir David Steel (Chief Executive at Leeds Castle); and selling it on, is simple. We’re making Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Scott; Kelvin Wood (Leeds Castle); and Mark Harrison (National Policing and Crime Advisor for Historic England) it harder for you to sell stolen metal and gain from your activities.’

Heritage Watch launched to protect county’s history Two charged over removal of shipwreck artefacts

Two men have been charged The historic setting of Leeds history using tools such as ‘By their very nature in connection with the alleged Castle was a fitting location the free Country Eye, crime heritage sites across Kent, like removal of items from a for the launch of Heritage prevention app. churches, monuments and sunken Royal Navy warship Watch – aimed at protecting Mr Harrison said: ‘The war memorials, and wrecks in the English Channel. the county’s history and Heritage Watch partnership off our coasts, are vulnerable HMS Hermes was a protected cultural assets from crime. and the Country Eye app to crime so it is fantastic cruiser built in the late 19th The event was launched provide the community with the agencies involved have century and converted into by Kent Police and Crime modern technology that helps worked together to start up a an aircraft ferry and depot Commissioner Matthew Scott us protect Kent’s past for new Heritage Watch scheme. ship ready for the outbreak earlier this year. future generations.’ ‘I encourage everyone to of the First World War. In Kent there are 17,944 Sandra Matthews-Marsh, download the free Country It was sunk by a German Listed Buildings, 422 Chief Executive of Visit Kent, Eye app from the Heritage submarine in the Dover Scheduled Monuments, 62 added: ‘Kent is a treasure Watch website and use it to Strait in October 1914 Registered Parks and Gardens, trove of some of England’s report anything suspicious with the loss of 44 lives. www.heritagewatch.co.uk 11 Protected Wrecks and two finest heritage assets in their communities to the Officers from Kent Police’s World Heritage Sites. attracting over 60 million Country Eye volunteers.’ Rural Task Force launched Former Kent Police officer visitors each year. We will be an investigation in August Mark Harrison, National promoting Heritage Watch to 2015 after being informed Policing and Crime Advisor all Visit Kent partners to get that a number of historical for Historic England spoke behind the campaign.’ Country Eye artefacts had been reported about the scale of the Mr Scott said: ‘The cost Helping Keep the Rural missing from the wreck. problem and the Chair of Kent of crime in rural areas Community in Kent Safe The investigation into the Crimestoppers Peter Rolington is reportedly more than alleged offences was carried about Heritage Watch, £800million across To download the free app go to out in partnership with the of Wreck, Sussex Police and charged with three counts of London Road, Teynham, has the Apple App Store or Google the French authorities. dishonestly failing to disclose been charged with the same which encourages people England and Wales, and Play and search for Country Eye Maritime and Coastguard to use their eyes and ears heritage crime can represent a Agency, Historic England, John Blight, 57, of Old items of wreck to the Receiver three counts in addition to to help protect the county’s large proportion. the Marine Management River Way in Winchelsea, of Wreck with intent to make being in possession of £16,000 www.countryeye.co.uk [email protected] Organisation, the Receiver East Sussex, has now been a gain. Nigel Ingram, 56, of worth of criminal property.

4 5 Latest news

Arrests in rogue trader operation Joint patrol nets results in fishing operation Reduce the risk of employing a rogue trader: • Don’t deal with doorstep callers offering work on your home Four men have been arrested workers employed at the sites. Kent Police’s Rural Liaison Team launched Operation Dew to deal with or garden and never pay in cash. by Kent Police during a Superintendent Tim Cook people fishing illegally and potential links to other crimes. crackdown on rogue traders. from Kent Police’s Partnership • Check they are from the company they say they are from. Joint patrols have recently been carried out with the Environment Agency They are suspected of and Crime Reduction • Ask for quotes in writing. Fisheries Team during the close season, which runs from 15 March to 15 June. targeting a number of Department said; ‘Rogue • Ring more than three traders to get a feel for an average The Environment Agency concentrates on illegal fishing prosecution and vulnerable and elderly traders prey on the most price for the job. the Rural Liaison Team tackles organised criminal gangs responsible for residents by pretending to vulnerable in society and we the bulk theft/poaching of fish stocks from rivers and lakes. Rural Liaison • Remember traders must give you written notice of your be legitimate tradespeople. are determined to bring to Team Inspector Dave Smith said: ‘By working in partnership with each right to 14 days cancellation when agreeing to do work at A national day of action justice these criminal gangs other, we’ve been able to arrest many outstanding offenders in relation to your home, including work gained from a cold call. on 10 May involved police who are often responsible serious offences while the Environment Agency achieves their priorities in officers, Kent County for stealing large amounts • If you believe a doorstep crime is happening or about to protecting their fish stocks from illegal fishing activities.’ Council and Medway of money from those who happen call the police on 101 or 999 in an emergency. On 28 March a rural team officer caught an 18-year-old man illegally Trading Standards teams, can least afford it. This fishing on the River Darent at Eynsford. This is a private stretch of river for Her Majesty’s Revenue and operation allowed us to work use by members of the Darent Valley Trout Fishers only. The man wasn’t a Customs, the Environment with other agencies to arrest member and has been reported for Fishing in the Close Season and Agency and Home Office offenders and gain some Fishing without a Rod Licence. Immigration Enforcement. significant evidence relating On 1 April during Operation Dew at Brooklands Fishing Lakes in Dartford A 46-year-old man from to their criminal activities.’ a number of people were checked and a 35-year-old man arrested for Orpington, a 24-year-old man failing to attend court – having been wanted for over a year. He was later from Cranbrook and two men convicted for the original offences. from Erith aged 20 and 31 Useful contacts Rural team PC Marc Pennicott said: ‘These results demonstrate our were arrested on suspicion • For advice and commitment to supporting our partners in delivering a first class service. of defrauding vulnerable and information, contact the While most people fishing do so legally, a small minority chose not to do elderly victims by overpricing Citizens Advice Consumer so and are often committing other offences – as demonstrated by this for building work and repairs. Service on 03454 arrest. Everyone aged 12 and over who is coarse fishing must hold a valid They were all released 040506, or visit rod licence issued by the Environment Agency.’ Further Operation Dew pending further inquiries. citizensadvice.org.uk patrols are planned for the rest of 2017. Officers worked with the • Kent County Council partner agencies conducting Trading Standards Penalties for illegal fishing activities checks and searches at recommends The maximum fine for not having a rod licence is £2,500. It’s also premises connected to checkatrade.com important to ensure you are not fishing on rivers during the close season suspected rogue trading and online or call 0333 – as this is an important time to allow fish to breed successfully. You illegal waste disposal, and 0146 190 for reputable must also ensure you have permission to fish on private stretches of visited a number of farm and Kent traders. river as you may be committing an offence of the Theft of Fishing Rights business premises to check and, as well as being prosecuted, have your fishing equipment seized.

Warning over rogue trader scam with squirrels Criminals using rural roads targeted

Rural residents should to be one occasion he’s reported to for anyone dealing with cold Rural officers working on then stopped on the A20. on their guard against rogue have produced a dead squirrel callers. Do not deal with people an operation to target Jewellery, champagne and traders following a scam and demanded £300 from the who knock on your door criminals’ use of the rural false number plates were involving a dead squirrel. homeowner. The victim later offering work on your home road network (Operation found. The driver denied Kent Police has received got their roof inspected by or garden and if you have Farm) seized stolen jewellery knowing the original suspect a number of reports about a reputable company which any concerns call the police.’ and arrested a man wanted but inquiries revealed they’d suspicious activity in the verified no infestation or Rogue traders may also for burglary offences. both been seen checking Tunbridge Wells area, where damage caused by squirrels. offer services such as Officers were in the Ash, into the hotel that day and a a man has been knocking on Sergeant Andy Miller said: ‘This cleaning driveways or Stansted, Fairseat and West search of a room uncovered doors offering roof repairs. man targets people by cold roof/guttering repairs. Kingsdown areas when an more stolen jewellery. After inspecting the roof the calling and demanding cash up A 34-year-old man has Automatic Number Place A victim from a burglary man claims the property has an front. Work then carried out been arrested on suspicion of Recognition (ANPR) alert in the Ash area was able infestation of squirrels which is either minimal, or nothing fraud by false representation flagged up a vehicle linked to identify items. are causing damage. He then has been done at all. We are and bailed until 5 July. A to a man wanted for recall to The arrested man was tries to claim money to get continuing to investigate a 22-year-old woman was prison and other offences. charged with two burglaries rid of the infestation and for number of complaints. Our also arrested and released It was traced to a hotel and having no insurance. other unnecessary work. On advice remains the same pending further investigation. at Brands Hatch and Inquiries are continuing.

6 7 Feature

Fly tippers in court

A joint investigation between the Rural Johnathan Smith, 37, from the Liaison Team, Dover District Council and Snowdown Caravan Site, Snowdown, Most frequently Dover Community Policing Team saw pleaded guilty to nine counts of fly two men convicted of nine counts of fly tipping, and Michael Smith, 36, from the fly tipped items: tipping across the district. same site pleaded guilty to four counts • Household rubbish This resulted in blockages to an access of fly tipping. On 25 January 2017 at • White goods such as route leading to a residential property; Folkestone Magistrates Court Johnathan fridges and freezers waste being set alight, resulting in Kent was sentenced to a 16 week prison Fire and Rescue being called to extinguish sentence suspended for two years, 200 • Construction, the fire and costs being incurred by both hours unpaid work, 20 days completing demolition and home Clamping down on the fly tippers private land owners and the district council a rehabilitation activity requirement, and improvement rubbish to clear the waste. The investigation £1,500 costs and Michael to an eight week • Garden rubbish focused on increased fly tipping in rural prison sentence suspended for two years, • Rubbish from areas around Aylesham and surrounding 200 hours unpaid work and £1,000 costs. businesses blighting the countryside villages from November 2015. The vehicle involved was also forfeited.

‘This type of offence is Lee Steel reports waste. This has resulted in a number of vehicle seizures and prosecutions against particularly emotive and The beauty of the Kent countryside is often those transporting waste illegally. has an adverse effect on marred by irresponsible fly tippers who ‘We are also part of a working group blight the landscape, harm wildlife, pollute which incorporates KCC, local authorities, Factfile: the communities where it waterways, threaten health and damage the Environment Agency and Trading • Fly tipping is the illegal deposit land – ruining the rural environment for Standards which was established to of (liquid or solid) waste on land takes place. If you see fly residents and visitors alike. improve intelligence sharing and working contrary to Section 33 of the The statutory power to deal with fly practices and has led to a joined up tipping, don’t assume it has Environmental Protection Act 1990. tipping lies with the Environment Agency approach to tackling fly tipping. been reported and please and local authorities. Kent Police Rural ‘This type of offence is particularly • Local authorities are responsible for 3 take the time to notify your Liaison Team works closely with Kent emotive and has an adverse effect on clearing waste (up to 20m ) from County Council and local councils to the communities where it takes place. If public land. They can investigate local authority. Fly tipping investigate and bring offenders to justice. you see fly tipping, don’t assume that it dumping on private land but can also be reported John Evans, Kent County Council, has been reported and please take the have no obligation to clear. The Waste Enforcement Advisor, said: ‘KCC, time to notify your Local Authority. Fly Environment Agency investigates directly via the Country Kent Police, the Environment Agency, tipping can also be reported directly via major fly tipping on public or private Eye App and will then be Highways England and the local district/ the Country Eye App and will then be land where there’s an immediate borough councils are all part of the passed on to the correct local authority to environment and human health risk. passed on to the correct Kent Environmental Crime Practitioners investigate and remove.’ • The terms fly tipping and illegal Working Group, which is run by the Kent According to the National Fly Tipping dumping are used to differentiate local authority for them to Resource Partnership. Prevention Group, just over two thirds between the roles of the local council investigate and remove’ ‘Through KCC the group can quickly (67 per cent) of fly tips involved and the Environment Agency. share intelligence concerning vehicles Fines for tippers household waste (an increase of 6.5 per • All tradesmen who dispose of PC Marc Pennicott, and suspects involved in fly tipping. cent from 2014/15) with highways being waste must hold a Waste Carrier Kent Police Rural Liaison Team Arrangements can be made with Kent the most common target (50 per cent of Licence. You can check they hold Police to assist in arrests of suspects, Two separate cases of men collecting The second offender collected from a total incidents in 2015/16 – a 7.9 per cent a valid licence by visiting www. execution of search warrants and waste waste from households then dumping household in Larkfield then dumped half of increase on the previous year). environment-agency.gov.uk or crime road checks.’ them resulted in fines and clear up costs it in Water Road, Trottiscliffe and the rest in Incidents of fly tipping on footpaths and for the offenders. Brook Lane, Snodland a few days later. He by calling 03708 506 506 Country Eye Rural PC Marc Pennicott is part of this bridleways increased by eight percent in The investigations by Tonbridge and received two £600 fines, £700 legal costs, • The National Fly Tipping Prevention Helping Keep the Rural group. He said: ‘The Rural Liaison Team England in 2015/16. Malling waste and enforcement officers £308 clear up/compensation and a £120 Group (NFTPG) seeks to identify Community in Kent Safe regularly supports our partners from The estimated cost of clearance for fly Beverly Horn and Amanda Neimer took victim surcharge. Amanda said: ‘He didn’t good practice in preventing and the Local Authorities Environmental tipping in England in 2015/16 was £49.8 nearly a year. turn up at court which resulted in an arrest tackling fly tipping and to advise To download the free app go to Enforcement Teams and the Environment million. One Government recommendation One offender collected from a warrant, executed by Kent Police. He was Government on the problems and the Apple App Store or Google Agency to tackle the illegal transportation under its proposed new national litter Play and search for Country Eye and fly tipping of waste. household in Wateringbury and dumped taken to North Kent Police Station. I had to potential solutions strategy, currently out to consultation, is it in Old Chatham Road. He denied the rush to Medway to hear his plea via a live ‘The Rural Liaison Team set up Operation • Local authorities carried out 494 doubling litter fines and for offenders on offence but was found guilty and fined link. He bailed to appear at but www.countryeye.co.uk Assist and regularly carry out joint community sentences, including people thousand enforcement actions in [email protected] £420 plus £650 legal costs, £183 clear up again failed to appear. He was found guilty operations patrolling hot spot areas, 2015/16 at an estimated cost of caught fly tipping, to help councils clear costs and a victim surcharge of £42. and sentenced in his absence.’ conducting road checks on vehicles carrying up litter and fly tipped waste. £16.9 million.

8 9 Protect your property County round-up

Heating oil theft alert New at risk form to help find people with dementia

Residents and businesses are the tank, including fitting a sturdy lock A partnership approach has been set being urged to take steps to to any caps and perhaps installing a up by Kent Police and other agencies avoid heating oil being stolen. protective cage around the tank and to help trace people living with Between 1 January 2016 and any pipes. Ideally, any casing should be dementia who are reported missing. 13 November 2016 there were 94 locked with a shackle padlock, which can’t Missing Person Liaison Officer, PC crimes relating to theft of heating be easily broken with bolt croppers.’ Feebee Sparks said: ‘Kent Police receives fuel countywide. Tanks are often approximately 10,000 missing person targeted during the summer as thieves Stay secure reports every year, and an increasing know they are not being used. • The simple act of keeping your yard or number of these are for people living Areas of Ashford, Medway and drive gates closed and securely locked with dementia. Some people with Tunbridge Wells have seen the could prevent a theft. Ensure gates and dementia are prone to simply wandering highest number of offences and fences are in good repair. off, while others set out with a planned rural officers are urging residents • Consider CCTV along with suitable • Check oil is covered by household or destination but become confused during and business to remain vigilant. security lighting. business insurance. their journey and end up lost. We wanted Rural team PC Nick Lingham said: to look at ways in which we could help • The location of storage tanks can be • Record details of any unfamiliar ‘The theft of heating oil from domestic find them as quickly as possible.’ frequented, general health issues and locate missing people and is compiling critical. Ideally they should be situated vehicles and their occupants seen in tanks can cost as much as £2,000 Kent Social Services, the Alzheimer’s significant places they are likely to an impartial guide on trackers for within sight of your home, office or the area. gravitate towards. This form enables families wishing to buy one. to £3,000 to replace. It not only hits business while at the same time being Society, Kent Fire and Rescue Service, • Defensive Planting: Try planting prickly this information to be documented If you have questions about dementia families in the pocket but can cause difficult to see by the general public. Kent Search and Rescue, Kent and great distress as it may also mean rose bushes, holly and thorny bushes Medway NHS and Social Care Partnership in advance, expediting the missing and the services available in your they are left without any heat and • Regularly check fuel levels to spot if the around your tank. Thieves generally Trust and the National Crime Agency’s person investigation.’ Police advise the area contact the Alzheimer’s Society – hot water over the winter months. level drops. Remote electronic oil level avoid things that may catch on skin or Missing Persons Bureau are developing completed form is kept safe but can be Kent and Medway on 01303 260674, ‘Taking a few simple security steps to gauges can be fitted which set off an clothes and leave forensic evidence. new protocols and best practice. found easily. ‘Having this information email them kentandmedway@ protect your tank can really reduce the audible alarm if the oil level in the tank • Neighbourhood Watch: If you are going They’ve devised an At Risk of Going already available saves us having to alzheimers.org.uk or visit chances of you being a victim. One of the suddenly drops. on holiday, ask a neighbour to keep Missing form to provide quick, detailed work through these questions at what www.alzheimers.org.uk. most important decisions to be considered • Good quality alarms, CCTV, locks or any an eye on your oil tank and report any information about a person’s background can be an extremely anxious and Or phone the 24 hour Kent Dementia should be around adding protection to security devices will last longer. suspicious activity. and history to help speed up the time stressful time for the loved ones of Helpline on 0800 500 3014. The At taken to find them. PC Sparks said: ‘We the missing person,’ said PC Sparks. Risk of Going Missing form can be need information about their mobility, The group is also investigating ways downloaded from the Kent Search and Beware distraction burglars preferred mode of travelling, routes in which GPS trackers can be used to Rescue website www.ksar.co.uk

Be on guard against distraction burglars Stay secure MP joins team out on patrol Drug driving training posing as police officers or offering If you are suspicious of someone claiming gardening services. to be from Kent Police, don’t let them into People are particularly vulnerable at this Faversham and Mid Kent MP Helen The Rural Liaison Team have received your property. Ask to see their warrant time of year with doors and windows left Whateley asked the Rural Liaison Team to training to deal with people driving card and then contact 101 – or 999 in an open in warm weather. In one incident an join a patrol after hearing about the good while under the influence of drugs. emergency. A call handler can verify if elderly women in Coxheath reported two work officers had been doing within the They will be using these new skills as your caller is genuine. men had entered her kitchen through a farming communities of Kent. part of Kent Police’s drink/drug driving back door. They claimed they were police • Lock your back doors and windows She met the team at Faversham and campaigns to reduce serious injuries officers and had arrested a man outside before answering the front door – thieves was given an Operation Farm briefing in and deaths on the county’s road. for burglary. One kept the women talking often work in pairs, distracting at the relation to some target vehicles the team while the other searched the house. front door while the other tries the back. was looking to stop. Similar incidents were reported in the • Use a spyhole and chain and ask who Rural PC Preston Frost said: ‘She Action against cockfighting North of the county. they are through the door first. joined us on patrol for part of a late and stolen birds In another recent case East of the • Check for identification, even shift equipped with a list of target county a woman in her 80s in the if a person has a pre-arranged vehicles to keep an eye out for. This Ramsgate area answered her front appointment. gave her an insight into our role and The rural team continues to support the door to a woman asking for gardening some excellent feedback has been • Don’t let someone in if you are not RSPCA against animal cruelty offences. work. She later realised her handbag received from her office. A search warrant was executed in Bean expecting them and they don’t have ID. • Close the door if you need to leave to containing cash, cards and personal ‘The team have been invited to attend around illegal cockerel fighting. Two • To check a caller is genuine, you can get something. items had been stolen. the Houses of Parliament so we can have men were arrested and the RSPCA look up the number in the phone book It’s believed the offender entered • If in doubt ask them to leave and a tour and visit her office to see what is continuing to investigate. A search or a recent bill and check it against the through a back door left open in the come back at a more convenient time Helen’s role involves as a Member of warrant was executed in caller’s card. Don’t just ring the number warm weather as the victim went to when a family member or friend can Parliament.’ relating to illegal trapping of wild birds. on the card – it may be fake. answer the front door. be with you. Three wild goldfinches were found. A man is being prosecuted by the RSPCA.

10 11 County round-up

Stolen Land Rover New Volunteer and Neighbourhood Watch Liaison Officer for East Kent First Special Constable on horseback uncovered

Andrew Judd has taken over from Alex Harrington as the new Special Constable Alaine Benardis and Volunteer and Neighbourhood Watch Coordinator for East her horse, Jack, have been carrying Kent – covering Ashford, Folkestone, Romney Marsh, Dover, out regular patrols in New Ash Green. and Thanet areas. Alaine is Kent Police Special The retired police officer has been in post since December Constabulary’s first mounted special and is based at Ashford Police station. He’ll be putting his and is out and about during the day to Neighbourhood Policing experience to good use, especially with provide extra police visibility and engage Country Eye (see page 5). He said: ‘I’m very keen to establish with landowners and the local community. new watches particularly in our rural areas so residents can Being mounted means Alaine and Jack join together to make their communities safer places. can reach isolated and remote parts of The rural team received ‘If you are interested in volunteering with Kent Police or the community more easily than using information that a suspected considering establishing a new watch in your community. I look a vehicle. One part of Alaine’s role is to stolen Land Rover Defender forward to hearing from you.’ Andrew can be contacted on 01233 gather and share information about crime was being stored in a barn. 896151 or by email, [email protected] and anti-social behaviour with Rural Police checks and Automatic Watch and other community groups. Number Plate Recognition She’d responded to a call from showed its movements and it Owner delighted as stolen tractor returned Kent Police for horse owners and was identified as stolen from riders, with access to a horse, to Maidstone in November 2016. consider volunteering with the Special It was found stripped of The owner of a stolen tractor never thought he’d see it again. Constabulary and Alaine successfully several parts which had been The red Case JX90 was taken from a barn in the Hever area between completed her training programme. placed in another Land Rover 5-6 May. It was stolen with an earth bucket attached and the offenders Mounted special constables have Defender belonging to the are thought to have guided it through a hole in the hedge into a lane. to demonstrate they are capable of man who rented the barn. The But a widespread circulation of the details through the Rural Liaison controlling the horse in a range of stolen parts were removed and Team and a media appeal resulted in it being traced to Oxted, Surrey different scenarios, including riding on seized along with the stolen on 14 May and returned to the grateful owner. Chris Prior-Willeard minor roads. They’ll be assessed on an How do I become a mounted special constable? vehicle. A man was arrested said: ‘Thanks to the circulation of the identification information they annual basis. Alaine, who’s has been Volunteers who want to join the Special Constabulary must be at least 18, meet for handling stolen goods and were able to confirm its ownership quickly. I’m grateful for the rural a volunteer officer with Kent Special medical and fitness standards and be willing to give a minimum of 16 hours every the investigation is ongoing. team’s support and action as I really thought it had gone for good.’ Constabulary for 10 years said: ‘I love being a Special Constable and I’ve always month on a voluntary basis. enjoyed riding so this was the perfect Additional training and animal welfare assessments are provided for successful applicants. opportunity for me to combine both Kent Police Special Inspector Adam Houghton said: ‘Alaine and Jack are important Caravan thefts – record important information and do something a little different. members of the policing team and will provide invaluable support to their local ‘I hope it might attract other new community by being a visible presence and a point of contact.’ potential volunteers with horses to Anyone who might be interested in volunteering for the Special Constabulary can find out more at www.kent.police.uk/jobs-recruiting-nowspecial-constables Owners of caravans, plant to help them in identifying consider volunteering for this exciting role and trailers are being advised plant machinery, vehicles and which supports the local community.’ to make sure they keep caravans. Work is ongoing them secure and record and a joint operation with this important details following unit is being planned in the a number of thefts. near future to target those Stolen working dogs recovered PC Marc Pennicott said: ‘We responsible for these thefts. continue to see a trend of The training took place at caravans, plant machinery the Port of Dover and during Two working farm dogs were swiftly recovered following a and trailers being stolen a road check a vehicle was theft from a Birling Estate, West Kent. Rural officers liaised and encourage owners to stopped which contained a with the local Police Community Support Officer and Maidstone ensure they’ve recorded stolen vehicle engine from colleagues to identify a potential suspect and vehicle. all of their serial numbers the Metropolitan Policing Two people were arrested and two vehicles seized. One dog and unique identifying area, which was recovered. Trailer thefts was found in Wateringbury on the same day as the offence, features. Please also take Inquiries are ongoing in There has recently been an increase in thefts of trailers, along with a further four suspected stolen dogs. Three days additional security measures relation to this seizure. particularly Ifor Williams. later a man handed himself into Tonbridge Police Station and and report all suspicious The team identified a Silver PC Pennicott said: ‘Ifor Williams holds a database of owner the second stolen dog was recovered. Both dogs were reunited activity to Kent Police.’ Mazda involved in the theft of details for their trailers and horse boxes and it’s important to with their owner after checked microchips made the process The Rural Liaison Team has a caravan from West Kent. The update them when you buy or are about to buy a trailer as they much easier. PC Nick Lingham said: ‘The owners of the dog received additional training vehicle was recently traced will be able to confirm if it is a stolen one. Please also consider were extremely happy with the swift response and decisive from Vehicle Crime Intelligence and the driver was arrested photographing and recording the details of your trailers action taken by Kent police in this case.’ Police Services (NaVCIS) for a total of seven offences. including chassis numbers and any other identifying features.’ Two men and a woman have now been charged and are due to appear at Maidstone Magistrates Court in June.

12 13 County round-up Spotlight

News in brief Hare photographer donates thermal imager Meeting the challenge of transporting bigger and heavier loads

Cross border rural Hares are a favourite subject for conservationist and crime action photographer Russell Miles. He gives regular talks on their preservation, receiving small donations, which he has collected The rural team has been part and donated to the Rural Liaison Team to buy a thermal imager. of a cross border proactive This can be used for searching for poachers at night and is a operation targeting criminality very useful addition to the rural officers’ toolkit. on the Kent, Sussex and Sergeant Darren Walshaw said: ‘This thermal imager cost Surrey border. Officers from £516 and is a very generous gift which will assist our ongoing each force joined proactive work against poaching. We are extremely grateful to Russell for patrols of repeat locations for making this contribution.’ rural acquisitive crime. The Photographer Russell Miles team carried out a number of vehicle checks and visits to addresses in Edenbridge, Rural team’s farewell to ‘Geordie’ Cowden and Oxted, Surrey. Offences targeted included robbery, burglary and Rural team regular PC Michael handling stolen goods. ‘Geordie’ Laidlow (pictured centre) retired from Kent Badger baiting Police on 31 January. investigation Rural Inspector Dave Smith said: ‘We would like to thank An investigation into badger him for all of his support in baiting and animal welfare dealing with rural and wildlife saw the rural team execute a crime for the past 15 years and search warrant at an address for the excellent work he has Lee Steel reports with partners to safely negotiate the ‘It’s the length of the Wembley in Gravesend. Two dogs with carried out with our partner route. Inspector Sparkes said: ‘The Trying to manoeuvre a massive metal stadium pitch; weighs 543 injuries were recovered as agencies and now works as a police team of seven involved officers structure across and around Kent’s well as other items associated Volunteer and Neighbourhood from the Traffic Management Unit, tonnes and takes up two full with illegal hunting. A roundabouts, junctions and bridges Watch and Volunteer West Kent and can be contacted volunteering or Neighbourhood Roads Policing Unit, Pro-active Team lanes of the motorway – a suspected illegal firearm was is testing enough on the day. Coordinator in Canterbury. via [email protected]. Watch at michael.laidlow2@ and for the first time motorcyclists also recovered and a 21-year- So coordination is vital in advance, National Grid transformer on PC Nick Lingham has taken police.uk or 07817 956427. kent.pnn.police.uk or from the Special Constabulary.’ old man was arrested. often taking several months of its way to Germany for a refit is over from Geordie covering Contact Geordie about 07816 291343 Rachel Bozier, Traffic Management planning between Kent Police, Abnormal Loads Officer, said with just one of the often huge and Fruit theft warning the hauliers and partners. more movements of the transformers bulky abnormal loads which prompts arrest Action against nuisance motorbikes and vehicles Inspector Nick Sparkes, Strategic to Germany and back anticipated in Planning, Operations and Tasking, challenge officers policing the The team were contacted the next couple of years, and other said: ‘The route has to be checked for projects being planned, Tactical roads each year’ by a local soft fruit farmer height, width and weight, minimising Officers from Kent Police have been out Operations and the Specials Roads experiencing problems with disruption and also contingencies in tackling nuisance and illegal vehicles. Patrols, Policing Unit will receive updated people leaving designated case of other problems – weather and including PCSOs and Proactive Target Team abnormal load awareness training. footpaths on his land and blocks – it’s difficult to ‘just pull over.’ officers on motorbikes and unmarked cars She said: ‘Last year we received 14,000 helping themselves. A man The most challenging bits are the visited Bredhurst Woods, Boxley Warren and abload notifications, an increase of 22 per who became abusive when unexpected problem solving, and tying Walderslade Woods during the weekend of cent on the previous year (many contain challenged was identified and it all together to look seamless.’ 11-12 March. more than one load). I can get anywhere visited by police to warn him. In recent months Kent Police’s Traffic They worked with Boxley and Bredhurst Parish from 60-120 emails per day, depending He was found to be wanted in Management Unit has been working with Councils, Kent County Council, Boxley Warren on month or day of the week. That can relation to an alleged stolen the National Grid and their partners on Nature Reserve Management Committee and PCSO Matt Adlington said: ‘We understand be anything from aircraft parts, steel vehicle and was arrested. the Sellindge Transformer refit project, Bredhurst Woodland Action Group. the concerns of local residents and officers drums, paper mills, a lot of boats and Sellindge Transformer Movement. • A total of 16 vehicles were stopped, with will continue to carry out patrols in Maidstone mobile homes. Also some mobile cranes Stolen cement mixer A number of transformers are due for drivers’ insurance details checked. where concerns have been raised. We are are abloads, and agricultural machinery and tools returned refurbishment, which requires being • Three motorbikes stopped on Scragged Oak always grateful to members of the public who such as harvesters. You are likely to Officers responded to a theft sent to Germany for refit. Due to their Lane, . The riders found to not have a have provided us with any information and we drive past an abload on the road and not in progress in Leysdown size National Grid needs Kent Police to valid driver’s licence and no insurance. continue to urge people to report any issues necessarily pick it out as anything out of where a cement mixer and help safely transport them via the A20 • A stolen motorbike was recovered after being and where possible take down registration the ordinary. Kent Police only facilitate the building tools were stolen. and M20 into Dover Western Docks. stopped on Blue Bell Hill and found to be numbers. This will assist us in taking action largest of the abnormal loads, these tend They stopped and seized a Friday 3 February saw the latest driving on false number plates with a false should we identify these vehicles driving in an to be transformers and wind turbines, vehicle, recovered the items with a Kent Police team working chassis number stamped on the frame. anti-social way.’ although I wouldn’t rule anything out!’ and arrested two men.

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Working with partners to protect rural communities The Kent Police Rural Liaison Team is a Tactical Operations team of six officers from the Rural Task Force, led by Inspector Dave Smith and Rural Sergeant Darren Walshaw – split into three teams of two covering the North, East and West Districts of the county. The team also come together to deal with specific county crime. The team are responsible for targeting and dealing with active criminals committing crime in their respective rural wards as well as being a point of contact for help and advice in relation to Wildlife Crime, Heritage Crime and Environmental Crime and work closely with agencies such as the RSPCA, RSPB, Environment Agency, Maritime Coastguard Agency and local councils.

The team use their expertise to support Local Neighbourhood Policing Teams, PCSOs or Follow the team on Twitter: core response officers. The team are all fully trained Wildlife Crime Officers. @KentPoliceRural

Key partners working with Kent Police to keep rural communities safe

CRAG – Crime Rural Advisory Group CRAG, formed in 2012, brings together main rural stakeholders, including the National Farmers Union and Country Land & Business Association – representing a large percentage of land occupancy countywide. They bring their own insights to CRAG to help keep Kent Police informed on ever-changing issues in rural Kent. www.btfpartnership.co.uk email: [email protected] phone: Michael Bax: 01233 740077

Kent Association of Local Councils KALC is a not for profit membership organisation serving member parish and town councils and parish meetings in Kent and Medway. It offers training, advice and services to member councils. KLAC works with rural officers to disseminate information on their behalf, and to gather crime information from towns and parishes. www.kentalc.gov.uk email: [email protected] phone: 01304 820173

National Farmers Union The NFU champions British farming and provides professional representation and services to its farmer and grower members. Around 70 per cent of full time farmers are NFU members. They aim to support Kent Police to engage with members’ extensive local knowledge, working in partnership with CRAG and other stake holder organisations. www.nfuonline.com email: [email protected] phone: 01730 711950

Kent Fire and Rescue Service Kent Fire and Rescue Service is responsible for delivering fire and rescue services to more than 1.7 million people. Each year fire officers deal with around 16,500 incidents including road crashes, house and barn fires and more than 2,400 non-fire rescues. KFRS works with the Kent Police, NFU, and CRAG to provide safety and risk reduction advice to support the agricultural business community. www. kent.fire-uk.org email: [email protected] phone: 01622 692121

Historic England Historic England is a public body which looks after England’s historic environment. There are over 400,000 protected sites and buildings in England and Historic England works across a range of partnership to prevent the loss and damage to our shared cultural heritage. Former Kent police officer Mark Harrison advises the organisation and works closely with rural officers and CRAG. www.historicengland.org.uk email: [email protected] phone: 01483 252020

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