Kent Towns Get Major Crime-Busting Boost
Chatham, Folkestone, Sittingbourne, and Sheerness are next in line for a hefty crime-fighting fund under the “Safer Streets” programme. This initiative aims to slash crime, crack down on antisocial behaviour, and make communities safer for everyone.
Millions Poured Into Local Safety Projects
The funding will tackle violence against women and girls, back local businesses, set up neighbourhood watch schemes, and spruce up local parks. It’s a team effort with Kent Police, local councils, and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) joining forces.
Running from October 2023 to March 2025, this latest phase follows earlier wins in Rochester, Gillingham, Canterbury, Ashford, Maidstone, Gravesend, and Ramsgate.
Where the Money’s Going: Key Areas Targeted
- Folkestone Central Ward: £335,547 over two years to tackle night-time crime hotspots like the town centre and bus station. Focus on sexual offences, harassment, retail crime, drug offences, and vehicle interference.
- Sittingbourne & Sheerness Town Centres (Swale): £323,739 to fight antisocial behaviour and violence against women and girls with better lighting, CCTV, and support workers on the streets.
- Chatham Town Centre (Medway 015D): £284,524 for boosting CCTV, environmental upgrades, bar staff training, and community engagement to lower antisocial behaviour and violence-related crimes.
On-the-Ground Action to Keep Kent Safe
Local voices pushing for safer streets have won this vital support. The programme will fund improved CCTV, safer taxi ranks, Safe Taxi Schemes, outreach workers, Street Pastors, and graffiti removal. Drug offences, theft, and neighbourhood crime are in the police sights.
“This is about making our communities safer for everyone — residents, shoppers, and businesses alike,” said a Kent Police spokesperson. Collaborative efforts and targeted action mean these Kent towns can look forward to quieter, safer streets.
