Police and Partners Team Up to Tackle Crime with Fun Community Events in Deal and Dover
Violent Crime Targeted with Sport and Fun
On Thursday 26 October 2023, Deal and Dover came alive with community events held at Park Avenue Skatepark and Pencester Park. Police joined forces with local agencies to fight violent crime and protect vulnerable residents. The aim? To engage youngsters and the wider public in safe, wholesome activities.
Football, Gaming Van, and Free Treats Steal the Show
Families of all ages flocked to the events, where free sports sessions were run by Sports Connect. Visitors kicked off with a football match and even tried the police’s “bleep 1” challenge. The star attraction? A gaming van handing out free hot chocolate, a hit with young and old alike.
Community Units and Emergency Services Lend Support
Officers from Dover’s Community Safety Unit joined the Violence Reduction Unit (VRU), Dover District Council, Kent Fire and Rescue, local youth clubs like Linwood, and the Port of Dover Police. All pitched in to make the day a smashing success.
Officers Listen and Act on Local Concerns
Deal Beat Officer PC Sophie Bramble said: “We set up these events to connect with local people, especially children, to create a safe space where they can share worries and tell us how safe they feel. The football match brought the community together—just two goals, bibs, and a ball can spark some serious fun and bonding.”
She added, “Education is key. We used the day to pass on vital messages about personal safety and encourage everyone to look out for one another and report incidents. We also ran a questionnaire that gave us great feedback. People want better lighting in dark alleys—a problem we’ll tackle with the council—and more police presence at hotspots like train stations and parks.”
“Thanks to all our partner agencies for making this happen. We’ll keep working hard to keep our communities safe,” PC Bramble concluded.
