Police crackdown in Westerham following 'highly disturbing' antisocial crime spate
It follows months of complaints about anti social behaviour in the town
Police have launched a crackdown in Westerham after thugs set fire to a motorbike, threw stones at a car and and reports were made of an American pitbull threatening passers-by.
The latest incidents follow months of complaints in the town over antisocial behaviour including the lobbing of ball bearings at houses in November last year.
Chief Inspector for Sevenoaks district, Mark Stubberfield said police had increased their visible presence in the town - and had issued three people with community protection warnings.
‘We are aware of concerns around recent incidents of antisocial behaviour in the Westerham area and I would like to reassure residents we are working hard to tackle these problems and identify those responsible," he said.
"We have increased visible patrols in the area and are also being assisted with help from additional PCSOs. We are also working closely with our partner agencies including the local council, housing associations and Kent County Council community warden.
"A number of people have been identified who we are linking to some of the recent problems and so far three have been served with community protection warnings.
"Should these individuals continue to cause alarm, harassment or distress to others, they will face prosecution.
"It is important that residents keep on reporting any issues; this helps us build a picture of where and when incidents are taking place, which in turn allows us to tackle problems more robustly."
Chief Insp Stubberfield said officers were currently trawling through CCTV to try to identify a group of people who threw stones at a car in London Road on January 18.
"Officers attended and enquiries are ongoing," he added.
The crackdown was been welcomed by Westerham Town Council chairman, Helen Ogden who said the council had been chronicling incidents including the smashing of the glass in the council's bus shelter on the green earlier, for a number of months.
"It is highly disturbing especially for all the elderly residents of the parish," she said.
"We don't know if all those involved are the same group. What we do know they are not limited to those that live in Westerham."
Council clerk, Angela Howells said the cost of replacing the bus shelter's glass was £650 plus fitting .
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