Police say anecdotal evidence suggests its latest approach to crime enforcement is having a positive effect on retailers and residents in Maidstone.

Its Problem Solving Task Force has been out since August 10 enforcing the borough’s Public Space Protection Order to quell growing concern about crime and anti-social behaviour.

The order was introduced in September 2017 and in August last year was extended to 2023.

As part of the initiative, drinking alcohol on the streets and begging have been banned.

Between November 2017 and October 2018, there were 580 stop searches completed.

The following year there were 1,101, and between November 2019 and June 2020, more than 1,600 stop searches.

Officers have been speaking to residents, business owners and visitors to understand specific concerns and identify those who have been causing problems.

Their work to date has seen areas such as Jubilee Square cleared of drinkers and resulted in a knife being seized and a motorcyclist given a formal warning.

Patrols have also been ensuring individuals subject to Community Protection Warnings are complying with the conditions.

The multi-agency approach also saw officers with partners from Kent County Council in Week Street, meeting young people and offering crime prevention advice.

Sgt Phil Morley, of the Problem Solving Task Force, said: “The team was launched in February 2021 with the intention of tackling the things that matter most to residents, making a meaningful difference and leaving communities more resilient.

“Key to our work is engaging with local people, identifying the issues that cause them most concern, and then working with other policing teams and partner agencies to ensure positive and effective action is taken.

“Those residents we have spoken to have told us they are pleased and reassured to see a visible police presence in the area and commented that more families seemed to be using the park areas as a result.

“We will continue our work over the coming weeks."

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