Local News

Designated police vehicles will be out across Swale in the days leading up to Halloween targeting anti-social behaviour hotspots.

Kent Police are running specialised operations to deter and reduce behaviour likely to harass and alarm members of the public and dedicated patrol cars will be on hand to respond to calls.
Officers will be out in areas that have previously experienced particular problems during the Halloween period to ensure young people behave responsibly. These include town centres, parks and play areas, and officers will be communicating with local businesses and enforcing ongoing dispersal areas to move on groups of people who may be intimidating members of the public.

Swale's District Commander, Chief Inspector Tony Henley, told SFM News: "We want our residents to have fun this Halloween and we don't want to spoil anyone's good time, but it's equally important to remember that our more elderly or vulnerable residents can be left distressed by Halloween pranks carried out by the minority of people. Having dedicated cars around Sittingbourne, Faversham and Sheppey to respond to calls, alongside high visibility patrols, will hopefully reduce Halloween-related issues. In the past, these have included incidents of criminal damage and intimidation. People have also thrown eggs and flour at residents and properties, so we have put in place measures to ensure selling of these items during the Halloween period is closely monitored. Parents are reminded of the importance of supervising their children during Halloween and, where possible, accompany them on trick-or-treating visits. There are posters that can be placed in doors and windows to advise trick-or-treaters not to call at your property and our officers will be out and about to ensure these requests are respected."

For more advice, visit www.kent.police.uk/advice/seasonal_advice/autumn_halloween.html.

Posters advertising for declining trick-or-treating can also be downloaded from this address.

Kent Police officers, investigating a suspected burglary in Standen Grove, Sittingbourne, have released a computer-generated image of a man they would like to speak to.

The victim left his home at about 7.50pm on Saturday 20th September and when he returned about 20 minutes later he discovered his car had been stolen from the driveway.

It is believed those responsible entered the man's house while his family was upstairs and took the keys from a hook on the wall.

A witness has helped officers create a computer-generated image of a man described as being black, about 5ft 10in with bloodshot eyes and bushy eyebrows. He was wearing a dark blue hooded jumper and dark gloves.

Anyone with any information is asked to call Detective Constable Iain Joyce on 01795 419255-  quoting reference XY/033559/14.

Alternatively you can call Kent Crimestoppers free (from any landline) and anonimously on 0800 555 111.

Kent Police have confirmed that they were called just after 2pm this afternoon following the discovery of human remains in the Tonge Road / Lomas Road area of Murston.

It is believed that the discovery was made by contractors clearing hedges in the area.

Kent Police have tonight confirmed that forensic officers have attended the area concerned "and investigations are ongoing to establish how long it has been there and possible identification".

Swale Borough Council has issued a warning to motorists who are regular users of the A249 in the Sittingbourne area.

From Monday 22nd September, South East Water will be replacing 730 mtrs of water main, with a new tougher plastic, on the A249 between the M20 junction 7 and the M2 junction 5. The work is expected to last for up to seven weeks. Following a number of bursts it is being upgraded "to end the pain caused to motorists when urgent unplanned repairs are needed".

During this time Hayes Lane and Steps Hill Road, Stockbury will be closed for five days and the A249 north and southbound will be reduced to one lane and subject to delays.

The construction work will be carried out by Clancy Docwra on behalf of South East Water.

Della Fackrell, Resilience Partnership Manager for Swale Borough Council, told SFM News: "The work being carried out is essential maintenance. The pipe itself needs upgrading to reduce the number of water main bursts which mean when they occur, they can cause flooding and interruptions to drinking water supplies of nearby properties. Our advice to motorists is to avoid this area if possible as there will be delays to journeys throughout the seven week period".

James Smith, Delivery Manager at South East Water, told SFM News: "Pipelines are like arteries in the body and we need to keep them flowing to ensure the taps keep running. If a water main bursts, not only does it have a direct impact on our wider pipeline network, but it also causes inconvenience to customers and motorists while we carry out repairs."

For more information regarding the traffic managment meausres that will be in operation, please visit the South East Water website by clicking here.