Weekend Of Action Sparks Arrests And Drug Seizures

A weekend of action in Sittingbourne town centre has resulted in drug seizures, arrests and other sanctions.

Residents and business owners saw a heightened police presence in the High Street area and retail parks, while officers also targeted knife crime and drugs through checks at the town’s railway station.

A dispersal order was imposed on Friday (19th Decemeber) afternoon until 4pm on Sunday (21st December), with Kent Police "aiming to combat concerns around antisocial behaviour on one of the busiest shopping weekends of the year".

Two people were ordered to leave the area due to their behaviour and officers seized alcohol and a bike. Others received strong words of advice.

Also local officers worked in partnership with the British Transport Police targeting those seeking to visit the town to commit crime. The effort resulted in 15 stop and searches and two arrests.

Joshua Kennedy, 30, of Bridgewater Road in Sheerness, was detained on Friday (19th December) and charged with four counts of shoplifting. He was remanded in custody until his first court appearance at Medway Magistrates’ Court.

Harry Burgess, of Prince Charles Avenue in Minster-On-Sea, was stopped for not paying a train fare and had been wanted for breaching a court order. He was also remanded until his first court appearance at Medway Magistrates’ Court.

Further to these arrests, the searches uncovered four people in possession of drugs including cannabis and one of cocaine. They received community resolutions and the drugs were seized.

Patrols at the station also distributed anti-spiking kits to women arriving by train to enjoy the town’s night-time economy.

Chief Inspector Vanessa Foster told SFM News: "This weekend has seen excellent results, offering us several opportunities to target those who are intent on crime or anti-social behaviour, whilst reassuring the local community. This enforcement took place due to concerns raised by local people of action and will continue on subsequent weekends."