Police Crackdown: 90 Searches in Dartford & Gravesend Following Violent Spate
Between Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 July, officers swooped across Dartford and Gravesend, carrying out 90 Section 60 searches. This tough move came after several unrelated assaults and gave police the power to stop and search anyone suspected of being involved in crime.
Drug and Weapon Busts Shake North Kent
- An 18-year-old man was caught in Cranford Road, Dartford, in possession of suspected class A drugs. Alongside this, he was riding an uninsured e-scooter, which was confiscated. He has since been released pending further inquiries.
- Two women, aged 18 and 19 from Welling and Erith, were arrested early Saturday morning over an assault at an Essex Road nightclub. Both received cautions for the incident.
Drugs Behind the Wheel: Dartford Man Charged
At around 8.50pm on Saturday, patrols stopped a vehicle in St Albans Road, Dartford. The driver, Stephen Button of Silver Birch Close, was arrested on suspicion of driving while unfit due to drugs. He has been charged and released on bail to appear at Medway Magistrates’ Court on 26 August.
Machete Thrown in Bin Sparks Chase and Arrest
During extra patrols in Northfleet on Friday 23 July, officers spotted a bag tossed into a bin. Inside was a machete. A 15-year-old boy was caught after a foot pursuit on Gordon Road and arrested for possession of an offensive weapon. He has been released pending further inquiries.
Police Warn: Criminals ‘Think Again’
Deputy Divisional Commander for North Kent, Superintendent Neil Loudon, said: “These latest results show our relentless commitment to tackling violent crime in north Kent and beyond. We’re determined to keep Dartford and Gravesend safe places to live, work, and visit.
“We’re working closely with community partners and the Independent Police Advisory Group to ensure our policing remains fair and effective. My message to criminals coming into north Kent is simple: think again.”
