Chief Inspector Roscoe Walford, Sevenoaks District Commander of Kent Police in attendance to answer questions about crime and disorder in the Sevenoaks District.

The Chairman welcomed Chief Inspector Roscoe Walford, Sevenoaks District Commander of Kent Police, to the meeting, who gave an overview of the levels of crime and disorder within the District.

Chief Inspector Walford explained that 12 to 16 crimes were reported in the District each day, while 183 active crimes were open. Kent Police were in the top 8 forces in the country for crime reduction and while Kent experienced 61 crimes per 1,000 people, Sevenoaks District experienced only 45 crimes per 1,000 people. The largest form of crime was domestic violence, which had seen a small increase in the last year. The next largest crime was shoplifting, which occurred most at the ASDA supermarket in Swanley. Thirdly was criminal damage which, together with anti-social behaviour, had experienced declines. Kent Police would encourage further preventative measures through winter, particularly in securing allotments and garages. However he said that the District was a very safe place to be.

Questions were asked of Chief Inspector Walford.

The Chairman asked for the reasons in the rise in reports of domestic violence and whether the greater use of intelligence-led policing meant that fewer resources were required in general. Chief Inspector Walford replied that he believed the Police were, taking positive action at each incident and that victims were becoming more confident at reporting incidents. However, Police resources were stretched, with an 11% vacancy rate in Constables. Staff reductions were due to begin in 2016, commencing with the managerial level.

A Member raised concerns at the opening hours of the Swanley Police Station and the quality of the telephone service. Chief Inspector Walford noted that the Swanley and Sevenoaks stations were only open to the public during daytime and Edenbridge had no front-facing office. Kent Police were looking into web-based technology to be more accessible.

Members were concerned with road traffic incidents and asked what measures would be taken to improve safety. Chief Inspector Walford advised that he did encourage patrols to act if they saw poor driving. Although resources had to focus on areas such as Prevent, Child Sexual Exploitation and domestic violence, Kent Police would support volunteer schemes. He recognised that the schemes may suffer from volunteer fatigue but consideration was being given to how the Speedwatch volunteers might be better supported in terms of follow-up letters to those who had been recorded as exceeding the speed limit.  He asked for patience whilst this was being considered.

Chief Inspector Walford was asked for his views on the 101 telephone service. He noted that there had been some inappropriate use of it, but it had assisted in real-time recording of incidents and formed part of the range of specialist hotlines for particular concerns.

A Member asked the likelihood of further visible police cars in the District. He explained that it was unlikely and he was concerned that personal policing was likely to reduce. He said that if further spending reductions were required then these would fall on staffing levels. It was not possible to reduce spending on equipment any further as 85% of the budget was staff rather than equipment. In order to free up staff, Kent Police were making greater use of restorative justice and, from 2016, remote working.

He was asked  the number of unauthorised traveller encampments and whether there would be consistency of approach in enforcing against them. Chief Inspector Walford replied that the number of such cases had been low. Kent Police would allow land owners to lead on the eviction process, but provide assistance afterwards in directing them to leave. Following incidents at Brasted Pavilion and Swanley where there may have been inconsistencies, a common approach had been created for all Police Officers to follow.

The Chairman thanked Chief Inspector Walford.