Priorities include tackling anti-social behaviour, violence and extremism
Updated plans to make Tonbridge and Malling a safer place to live and work have been published by the borough council.
The plan will focus on six priority areas: tackling anti-social behaviour, domestic abuse, safeguarding vulnerable people, violent crime, violence against women and girls, including stalking, and preventing extremism and hate.
Projects will be led by the council’s Community Safety Partnership, which works with Kent Police and a range of local and national charities which specialise in combating violence, drug use and extremism.
The plan for 2024-2025 will be presented to councillors on Wednesday (22 May) along with an update on the work of the partnership over the last 12 months. A report to the committee outlines successful initiatives such as projects to divert young people away from crime and substance misuse through youth engagement work, reaching 2,000 teenagers. The team also funded personal safety workshops for women and girls and supported more than 300 victims of domestic abuse.
Anti-social behaviour (ASB) is an ongoing priority for the partnership which this month launched a new initiative which will see patrols around the borough to targets a range of nuisance activities such rowdy behaviour, drinking and other activities, such as car meets, which cause a nuisance or disturbance to residents. The last year has also seen the introduction of mobile CCTV which can be deployed to anti-social behaviour hotspots to gather evidence.
Cllr Des Keers, cabinet member for communities, said: “Our work to combat crime and other problems that can detract from life in our borough is hugely important but isn’t always visible to the general public. We and our partners are working hard every day to divert people away from offending, violence, abusing drugs or alcohol and in doing so helping ensure our borough is a place where people can enjoy living, working and spending leisure time.”
“This new plan and the review of last year’s significant achievements testify to the value of the team’s work and the invaluable contribution our many partners, including Kent Police, make to keeping Tonbridge and Malling safe. I look forward to supporting the work they all do in the year ahead.”