Kent Police Slammed Over Shocking Crime Reporting Poster
A black-and-white A4 poster at Maidstone Police Station has sparked outrage after listing rape and sexual assault alongside minor issues like anti-social behaviour, fraud, and road traffic incidents for “non-emergency enquiries”.
The controversial flyer instructed the public to report these serious crimes via an online form, downplaying the severity of heinous offences.
Social Media Erupts in Fury
A photo of the poster set social media alight, with one user blasting Kent Police: “How can you minimise such a heinous and violent crime? I understand it’s difficult to prove, but going about it this way isn’t the way. Absolute power tools.”
Another chimed in, “Kent Police in solidarity with the Met,” referencing the damning report branding the Met Police as “broken and corrupt.”
Kent Police Responds, Poster Removed
Kent Police confirmed the poster was displayed at Maidstone station but has now been pulled. A spokesperson told The Telegraph: “The poster was put up by a member of police staff at the front counter but has since been replaced with clearer advice on reporting crimes.”
Detective Chief Superintendent Emma Banks, head of protecting vulnerable people at Kent Police, stressed the force takes sexual assault investigations “extremely seriously.”
“We encourage anyone to call 999 if a crime is in progress or someone is in immediate danger. This can mean catching a suspect on the spot or even saving a life,” she explained.
“Victims can report crimes anonymously or approach us through support organisations. All reports are reviewed thoroughly by senior officers to ensure justice and support.”
Met Police Scandal Fuels Public Anger
The backlash against Kent comes amid a severe crisis at the Met. Baroness Louise Casey’s year-long probe revealed an institution plagued by racism, misogyny, homophobia, and corruption.
- The report slammed the Met as “broken” with a culture of “blindness, arrogance, and prejudice.”
- It highlighted unchecked predatory behaviour, with officers like Wayne Couzens and serial rapist David Carrick operating with impunity.
- Casey claimed successive Met chiefs failed to maintain officer integrity, demanding a complete £4 billion service overhaul.
- She warned: “Predatory and unacceptable behaviour has been allowed to flourish.”
- The force is said to have lost public trust, drifting from its founding principles established in 1829 by Robert Peel.
One critic summed it up: “The Met is on the verge of losing its way – consent has been broken. Too often, it acts in its own interest rather than serving the public.”
