Rural Matters Rural policing in – a magazine for residents and businesses Spring 2021

In this issue:

Tackling nuisance riders Horse safety on the road Catalytic converter thefts targeted

Plus the latest news on rural and environmental policing in Kent Welcome to Rural Matters Latest news

Welcome to Rural Matters. See inside for the latest on the Rural Task Force. There are now more officers countywide Drone used to target nuisance motorcyclists dedicated to tackling and preventing crime in the countryside. We’ve the latest news on how these officers, partners and colleagues are working to protect and support Kent’s rural communities. Email your Rural Task Force team – [email protected] The Kent Police Rural Task Force regularly works closely with other policing teams Team Leader Rural Sergeant and partners to tackle North Division – 07528 989095 Inspector Sergeant community concerns and Dave Smith Darren Walshaw anti-social behaviour. • PC Paul Williams 07800 675376 07870 252185 The team recently joined up • PC Adrian Goodsall with Sevenoaks Community • PC Nathan Southern Safety Unit and special North Division • PC Marc Pennicott constables – using a drone to

M25 Medway identify and target motorbike Sheerness A2 North Kent riders suspected of committing Dartford & Margate Swanley Gravesham offences on footpaths, Medway Herne Bay Thanet Ramsgate bridleways and nature M2 Sittingbourne M20 A228 reserves. They risk having Swale A229 A249 their bikes seized if they ride the area. Concerns have also members of the public to vehicles has been exacerbated M2 M26 Canterbury irresponsibly or dangerously. been raised about the impact report any further incidents. by lockdown around byways, Tonbridge A2 M25 Maidstone Patrols targeted rural areas Sevenoaks & Malling Deal of noise on the quality of This allows us to identify farmland and grazing land Maidstone Dover East Division – 07980 978202 following complaints from life for local communities. where to deploy our patrols and around the Downs. West Division residents that bikes and 4x4 ‘Any uninsured vehicle will effectively.’ Rural anti-social Incidents involving nuisance Tonbridge M20 Edenbridge East Division • PC Dan Perry vehicles had been causing be seized and a section 59 behaviour and illegal use of motorcyclists can be reported

Dover • PC Matt Lehman a danger to pedestrians warning can be issued to motorbikes, quad bikes and on the Kent Police website. Ashford Tunbridge Wells • PC Harry Callaghan and horse riders. riders and motorists driving in Tunbridge Ashford & A drone was used to locate an irresponsible manner. This Wells Shepway Folkestone • PC Michael Sutton Cranbrook suspected offenders in Tinker gives us the power to seize Recent action: Pot Lane, West Kingsdown, and in some cases destroy a • A joint operation with Medway and Maidstone officers and a quarry at Croydon Road, vehicle where the anti-social special constables targeted rural anti-social behaviour West Division – 07580 236308 Westerham and woodland behaviour is repeated. and illegal use of motorbikes and quad bikes around near Farningham. ‘A number of riders have • PC Luke Jorden Rural Crime Co-ordinator the Downs, Rochester, St Peters Village, Lordswood, A total of 10 riders received travelled from outside the • PC Tom Smith Hollingbourne, Harrietsham, Bredhurst and Boxley using section 59 warnings from county and we have noted Doug Robertson their own off road capability and supported by the drone. • PC Nick Lingham officers and a motorcycle the registration numbers of 07972 004578 • The Rural Task Force have been working with officers in • PC Anna Verrall was seized near Farningham vehicles used to bring off- Dover in response to complaints about off road bikes and as it was uninsured. road bikes to the area. We 4x4s causing damage to grazing land around Alkham. District Commander, Chief will be alert for any signs of Inspector Mark Stubberfield • A Rural Special Constable acted on video of off-road More rural contact information, see back page. reoffending should they be said: ‘Residents have seen to return. Local people motorcycles recorded riding along a public footpath and complained to us about the have complimented our over a roundabout at Manston. The riders were identified. dangers these vehicles pose efforts to prevent anti-social On their way to the address officers saw one of the bikes Report non-urgent crime online Twitter account to others who use the rights behaviour in the countryside and issued Section 59 and Covid-19 compliance warnings. of way and public spaces in and I would encourage

Your Rural Task Force PCs have a Twitter account Targeting catalytic converter thefts Horses – making motorists more aware Go to www.kent.police.uk/report @kentruralpolice The team regularly Tweets updates on what they’ve been The Rural Task Force has Motorists are being urged to doing and any live incidents. been supporting a national treat horses and riders with consideration and ensure they Report a crime, incident or non-injury Follow for the operation around the theft of catalytic converters. drive past with care. collision in minutes latest news and The British Horse Society ‘Dead information. The week of action, from 19-25 April, follows an Slow’ campaign aims to raise increase in metal crime, awareness of risks around with a rise in vehicles equestrians on the road – which Receive your confirmation email and being targeted nationally. has led to injury and in some reference number immediately Full story see page 5. cases deaths of horses nationally. Full story see page 6. To remain anonymous contact Kent Crimestoppers online or call 0800 555 111.

2 3 Latest news

100 anglers spoken to in action against illegal fishing Catalytic converter thefts – action against metal thieves Classic ‘Harry Potter’ car still missing Illegal anglers were targeted The Rural Task Force is as part of an operation led by supporting national action Rural Task Force special against the theft of catalytic constables. converters. They visited Monk Lakes in The crime continues to Marden, near Maidstone, as increase across the country, part of regular activity to driven by growing metal prices. ensure those fishing there Research has shown thefts have the correct licences. have risen during lockdown. Around 100 anglers were The week of action against spoken to, with 12 receiving metal crime from 19-25 April A man who stolen a fines from Environment was aimed at targeting customised classic car from Agency enforcement officers offenders and raising Rural Task Force Deal has been jailed for a year who were also present. awareness. and 10 months. action with RSPCA A rod fishing licence is Illegal waste carriers and The pale blue Ford Anglia, a required for anyone fishing scrap metal dealers were – drugs and dogs replica of the Weasleys’ car for salmon, trout, freshwater among those targeted by the car to get at the catalytic component of a vehicle, their from the Harry Potter films, seized fish, smelt or eel with a rod Rural Task Force officers converters, parking against a theft can result in costly repairs was stolen from a Walmer and line in the majority of members of the public who past for offences such as across the county. wall can also help. High or a car being written off. garage by Richard Matthews, lakes and rivers in . ensure they have the correct burglary, assault and sexual Rural Task Force Sergeant Cannabis cultivation was clearance vehicles like 4x4s, Sergeant Walshaw said: 37, in October 2019. Those who cannot show a paperwork in place before offences. Darren Walshaw said: ‘This uncovered by officers from the pick-up trucks and vans are ‘Motorists need to be aware of A media appeal and valid licence when asked are going fishing. The type of ‘We are very grateful for the was a national operation led Rural Task Force working in particularly vulnerable to the increase in catalytic investigation using CCTV liable for a fine of up to people who break the rules support from our special by British Transport Police partnership with the RSPCA on thieves sliding underneath to converter thefts and we ask images led to his arrest after £2,500. are sometimes those who are constables who give up their given the increase in this a warrant in Rochester. saw off the converter. them to take steps to protect members of the public came Rural Task Force Inspector involved in more serious own free time to support crime across the country. In Officers conducted the Catalytic converters form part vehicles. Be vigilant and report forward with key information. Dave Smith said: ‘Fishing criminality, and we have operations such as these and the week the Rural Task Force warrant at a property in High of a car’s exhaust system. anything to us straight away, He admitted the burglary licences help to sustain and arrested illegal anglers in the to help keep Kent safe.’ working with our partners Halstow on 14 April. They contain a honeycomb including anybody seen acting when he appeared at control fish stock levels and to stopped 104 vehicles of which Three dogs were also seized coated with metals which help suspiciously around vehicles. Canterbury Crown Court on 26 regulate the behaviour of 18 were seized for various by the team and two men Special Constabulary filter harmful gases. The RAC We work closely with partners March. Investigating officer PC anglers, and we are happy to offences. Four arrests were were arrested. An 18-year-old Special Constables are unpaid volunteers who have the said patrols were often called and car park operators and Katie Clarke said: ‘I wish to support our Environment made, three of which were for man was arrested on suspicion same powers as regular police officers. Many have full- to attend cars that have engage with scrap metal thank everyone who came Agency colleagues in a theft offence. of being concerned in the time jobs and give up at least 16 hours of their own time suddenly become excessively dealers to make it easier to forward with information.’ targeting those who go fishing The week included visiting supply of cannabis and animal every month to help police their local communities. Anyone noisy because the catalytic trace sellers of stolen metal The car is still missing and without one. waste metal sites to raise cruelty offences. A 41-year-old interested in becoming a special is encouraged to visit the converter has been stolen. and identify any dealers who anyone with information should ‘The vast majority of anglers awareness of the issue and to man was arrested on suspicion Kent Police website or follow @KentSpecials on Twitter. Despite being just one may be operating illegally. contact Kent Police or are responsible, law-abiding check with their compliance of cultivating cannabis. to the legislation and record Crimestoppers 0800 555 111. keeping. Numerous drivers were reported for traffic Protect your vehicle Farm machinery thefts continue – keep it safe offences.’ • Fitting perimeter security fencing can help deter Rural patrol take Catalytic converters have opportunist thieves and slow down more organised thieves injured child to hospital been fitted to the exhaust • Good security lighting makes vehicles more visible and Farm machinery and other systems of most petrol vehicles can act as a deterrent items from rural locations built since the early 90s. • Park in a garage whenever possible A passing Rural Task continue to be targeted by According to research, most • Consider installing good quality CCTV cameras Force patrol immediately thieves. thefts happen while cars are • Security-mark and register the metal shell of the stopped to help a young Rural Task Force Sergeant parked at home, either on the converter so it can be returned if stolen and recovered child who was knocked Darren Walshaw said: ‘I would driveway or the road. unconscious after falling off • Where possible park a vehicle against a kerb, with the like to remind those living in Motorists are urged to take his push along scooter. catalytic converter being closest to the kerb rural areas to regularly review extra precautions, parking their The five-year-old five was their security, ensuring sheds/ vehicle in well-lit residential • If there are a number of vehicles park low clearance resuscitated by a member barns are locked and secure locations, or ideally a garage, vehicles to block the high-clearance ones to obstruct access of the public and the when not in use. and when away from home, to • Fit protective coverings on catalytic converters to make it patrol stopped to help. Please remember to record Keep contacting Farm Watch WhatsApp look for car parks that have more difficult to steal (car manufacturers can advise on Learning that an ambulance and mark all property serial Online messaging system Farm Watch WhatsApp is a countywide scheme for fast time security patrols and are suitable clamps and security cages) wasn’t immediately available numbers so these can be sharing of information between the Rural Task Force and the community. covered by CCTV. • Have catalytic converters etched or forensically marked and they then took the boy and passed to police if you It has proved successful in recovering stolen property, vehicles and farm machinery and Because thieves slide under put stickers in the windscreen to say this has been done his dad to Ashford hospital. become a victim of crime.’ helping police deal with crime as it is reported. If anyone would like to join please email the team. [email protected]

4 5 Latest news

‘Dead Slow’ campaign – take care around horses and riders on roads Roads campaign focus on safer riding by motorcyclists

An increase in the number of serious injury on our roads. reported. Engagement on roads which are also used An initiative was aimed at with motorcyclists to ensure reported incidents involving Our close working relationship focusing on education and by motorists.’ engaging with motorcyclists they were riding safely. horses and vehicles nationally with the British Horse Society practical advice has proven to The BHS also runs safety to ensure safer riding – The team also performed has prompted a campaign to enables us to support and reduce incidents of injury and campaigns in schools. The aim particularly on roads which safety checks on the A21 raise awareness so motorists implement road safety harm. Use of high visibility of the project is to educate attract large groups. and Military Road, Rye know how to drive around campaigns such as ‘Dead clothing, ‘Dead Slow’ signage children how to pass horses The national two-wheel following reports of anti- equestrians on the road. Slow’ in our rural communities and helmet cams are all as a pedestrian, cyclist or a road safety campaign from social motoring, speeding The British Horse Society where incidents involving effective in improving road car passenger, offering 12-18 April also involved and dangerous riding. ‘Dead Slow’ campaign is aimed horses and vehicles are safety when horses are ridden observations to the driver. officers speaking to motorists Officers also engaged with ‘The vast majority of for vulnerable road users, at educating drivers and riders about driving considerately other motorists about driving motorcyclists are enthusiasts regardless of what vehicle on behaviour to minimise risk around vulnerable road users. considerately and looking out who ride safely. However, they travel in. Our message of injury and harm. Officers from Kent Police for vulnerable road users. historically we have received is simple, look twice and Any dangerous or Advice for riders and carriage drivers Roads Safety Unit teamed up Chief Inspector Elena Hall reports of dangerous riding think bike – especially irresponsible driving should be • Familiarise yourself with Highway Code rules. Follow with colleagues from Sussex said: ‘This partnership effort and speeding and we are at junctions and when reported to police. The BHS is guidance on interacting with other road users Police and Highways England. was not about penalising keen to engage with the manoeuvring your car. Those also encouraging riders and • Wear protective headgear to current approved standards They focused on roads motorcyclists but about motorcycling community, few seconds you are trying so they are aware of the to save could take a life, carriage drivers to report road • Avoid riding in failing light, fog or darkness or when it is attracting large number of promoting road safety and importance of riding safely. whereas taking extra caution incidents to the society (you snowing or icy motorcycle groups, including understanding between don’t have to be a member) the A2070 and A259. The different groups of people ‘All motorists have a could prevent someone • Be aware of surroundings and give clear and decisive signals so it can build a main emphasis was to engage who use the road network. responsibility to look out being put in harm’s way.’ so other road users are clear of intentions to manoeuvre comprehensive picture UK wide to help inform local • Be alert always. Make eye contact with drivers and thank those who make any effort to accommodate you safety campaigns and identify Livestock attacks – your pet could be responsible particular issues. • Wear hi-viz and reflective equipment on both yourself and your The BHS collates statistics horse even on bright days (it is surprising how well a horse can each year to understand the be camouflaged against a hedge) a minimum of a tabard or jacket for a rider and leg bands for the horse is recommended Livestock worrying continues to be four injured, the Rural Task Force contacted rate of incidents involving reported, which is particularly distressing both the owner of the sheep and the dog. • Let someone know where you are going and what time you horses and riders on UK roads. for farmers during the lambing season. The dog owner was genuinely horrified expect to be back, so they can raise the alarm should you Rural Task Force Inspector All such incidents are investigated by the by what had happened and agreed to fail to return within a reasonable time Dave Smith said: ‘Kent Police Rural Task Force, using DNA evidence to pay full compensation while agreeing to have been working in • Report any incidents of dangerous or irresponsible driving to support prosecutions where possible. Rural Task take measures to control their dog.’ partnership with key the BHS and to the police Force Sergeant Darren Walshaw said: ‘These But there are incidents where owners will stakeholders over many years • Take The British Horse Society Ride Safe Award incidents are very upsetting and dog owners not take responsibility and Rural Task Force to help reduce death and are reminded to keep their dog on a lead when officers will work with farmers to facilitate around livestock. In one recent attack at a compensation, issue warnings and take farm at Molash where one sheep was killed and enforcement action in the courts if necessary. Horses loose on highway – animals at risk

Horses loose on the highway Dog thefts increase – keep animals safe Can you help? risk being injured or killed. Late last year in Kent a horse had to be put down after Thefts of dogs and puppies A neighbour had gas bottles to help promote initiatives such Stolen statues – These being hit by a vehicle. has increased nationally and stolen at the same time. as microchipping and to work heavy bronze statues were the Rural Task Force Inspector owners in Kent are being One of two suspects had with the charity DogLost to target of a theft using a stolen Four simple steps Dave Smith, said: ‘Stray urged to stay vigilant to keep climbed a high fence to try to reunite missing or stolen dogs Land Rover Discovery earlier for drivers horses on the roads are at risk pets safe. access a kennel. A mask and with their owners. The charity this year. of harm and a danger to Recent cases include five rope left at scene were seized has urged dog owners to be The vehicle was later found Slow down to a max 1 motorists. I would urge horse cocker spaniel puppies believed for forensic analysis. vigilant and not leave their hidden in woods. Two of the of 15mph owners to ensure they are to have been taken from their Kent Police has an established dogs unattended in public statues were recovered but 2 Be patient, don’t sound a kept in a secure environment kennel at a property in Denton team dedicated to education areas, as well as considering a one is still missing. horn or rev the engine with fields and stables between 9am and 4pm on 13 and enforcement in relation to number of simple steps to help Anyone with information April. The two black and three dogs. Part of the team’s role is protect their pet. Pass the horse wide checked and any gates about this or other suspected 3 chocolate brown puppies were and slow (if safe to do padlocked.’ crime can contact the just five weeks old. The Rural so) at least a car’s width Horses will be seized by Kent Horse seizure policy SAFE – Secure your property and garden independent charity Task Force also investigated an if possible Police if found straying on the Seized horses are only in Kent Police’s possession for 21 days SPOTTABLE – Keep them in sight and trained to return Crimestoppers anonymously by highway with costs payable by maximum. Officers try to locate owners and put up posters. attempted burglary of the calling 0800 555 111 or using 4 Drive slowly away SEARCHABLE – Know what steps to take if they go missing owners for their return. When owners come forward they are required to pay a fixed same breed near Bossingham. the anonymous online form. tariff. Any horse unclaimed after 21 days is rehomed.

6 7 Partnerships

Rural team working with partners to protect rural communities Countryside Code

Remember • Enjoy the countryside and respect its life Pleaseand work remember the country • Guard against all code:risk of fire • Enjoy the countryside and respect its life • Leave all gates as you and work found them • Guard against all risk of fire • Keep pets under close control • Leave all gates as you found them • Keep to public paths across farmland • Keep pets under close control • Use gates and stiles to cross • Keep to public paths across farmland fences, hedges and walls • Use gates and stiles to cross fences, • Leave livestock, crops and hedges and walls machinery alone • Leave livestock, crops and machinery alone

The team use their expertise to support Local Neighbourhood Policing Teams, PCSOs or core response officers. The team are all fully trained Wildlife Crime Officers.

Key partners working with Kent Police to keep rural communities safe

Crime Rural Advisory Group working in partnership with CRAG and CRAG formed in 2012, brings together other stake holder organisations. main rural stakeholders, including the web: www.nfuonline.com National Farmers Union and Country Land email: [email protected] & Business Association – representing phone: 01730 711950 a large percentage of land occupancy Kent Fire and Rescue Service countywide. They bring their own insights KFRS is responsible for delivering fire to CRAG to help keep Kent Police informed and rescue services to more than 1.7 on ever-changing issues in rural Kent. million people. Each year fire officers web: www.btfpartnership.co.uk deal with around 16,500 incidents email: [email protected] phone: Michael Bax 01233 740077 including road crashes, house and barn fires and more than 2,400 non- Kent Association of Local Councils fire rescues. KFRS works with the Kent KALC is a not for profit membership Police, NFU, and CRAG to provide safety organisation serving member parish and and risk reduction advice to support the town councils and parish meetings in Kent agricultural business community. and Medway. It offers training, advice web: www.kent.fire-uk.org and services to member councils. KLAC email: [email protected] works with rural officers to disseminate phone: 01622 692121 information on their behalf, and to gather Historic England crime information from towns and parishes. Country Land & Business Association Historic England is a public body which The CLA is the membership organisation web: www.kentalc.gov.uk looks after England’s historic environment. email: [email protected] for owners of land, property and phone: 01304 820173 There are over 400,000 protected sites and businesses in rural England and Wales and buildings in England and Historic England has been safeguarding the interests of National Farmers Union works across a range of partnership to landowners, and those with an economic, The NFU champions British farming and prevent the loss and damage to our shared social and environmental interest in rural provides professional representation cultural heritage. Former Kent police officer land for more than 112 years. The CLA and services to its farmer and grower Mark Harrison advises the organisation and South East Office works closely with the members. Around 70 per cent of full time works closely with rural officers and CRAG. Kent Police to help achieve these aims. web: www.historicengland.org.uk farmers are NFU members. They aim web: www.cla.org.uk email: [email protected] to support Kent Police to engage with email: [email protected] phone: 01483 252020 members’ extensive local knowledge, phone: 01264 313434