Staplehurst Village

KCC and Kent Police Partnership
PC Marc Pennicott and Kent Community Warden Chris Lomax are part of the Kent Community Safety Partnership, between Kent Police and Kent County Council. Marc polices Staplehurst and Marden, Chris works in Staplehurst only.

They can be contacted in the following ways:

PC Marc Pennicott: mob: 07980770575
e-mail: marc.pennicott@kent.pnn.police.uk
Chris Lomax: mob: 07811271254
e-mail: wardenstaplehurst@hotmail.co.uk


The partnership was formed to give rural communities the opportunity to work towards achieving the quality of life everyone expects with the help and support of Marc and Chris.
Between Marc and Chris you have the opportunity to voice your concerns about anything that affects your everyday life in the village. We will do our very best to achieve positive results. We will both be very pro-active in the village but we can only deal with issues that are brought to our attention. Any information given will be dealt with confidentially. Our work is very dependant on this information.
We are also able to give advice on any crime issues, crime prevention, council matters, anti social behaviour etc. We will be holding a surgery on the last Saturday of every month at Staplehurst Library from 10:00 to 12:00.

PLEASE KEEP REPORTING INCIDENTS TO THE POLICE.


CURRENT ISSUES
One of the major complaints received by us surrounds problems with anti-social behaviour. At present the main areas relate to Surrenden Playing Field, Pope Drive and Bower Walk. The complaints include noise, criminal damage and the illegal use of motor vehicles on footpaths and open spaces. If you have any information as to the persons responsible for these activities then please contact us so that the appropriate action can be taken.
We have also received a number of complaints regarding horse riding on footpaths and on the Surrenden Playing Field. If you are a horse rider then please be aware that it is an offence to ride on the footpath (other than those designated for dual use). If you have any information on persons riding horses on the footpath then please contact us so that we can pass on the appropriate advice.

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH
We are currently seeking more volunteers to join Neighbourhood Watch. Please telephone Chris Lomax on 07811 271254 for further details. Country eye is the rural equivalent of Neighbourhood Watch. If you live in a rural area and use any of the following – Rural churches, Farms, Golf clubs, Public Houses, River or Waterside Activities, Wildlife Organisations, Country parks, Stables, Small Businesses, isolated Dwellings – and are interested in reducing rural crime and the fear of crime contact either Chris Lomax on 07811 271254 or PC Mick Wright on 01622 654143.


VEHICLE CRIME
Vehicle crime continues to be a problem because people continue to leave valuable items on display in their vehicles. There are also occasions when keys are left in vehicles. A recent poster campaign has helped to reduce this, however, don’t become complacent and remember don’t forget “lock it or lose it”.


STAPLEHURST SURGERY
The surgery will be held on the last Saturday of every month between 10.00 and 12.00 at the library. it is your opportunity to speak about any concerns or issues you have as a resident or to get advice about crime prevention. In attendance will be:
Borough Councillor Richard Lusty (neighbourhood watch co-ordinator)
Rural Community Warden Chris Lomax or PC Marc Pennicott
Members of the Parish Council
Please come along, we can only deal with issues that we are made aware of.


CRIME PREVENTION
1. Do you have a burglar alarm?
2. Do your windows in your house have locks?
3. Is your shed and garage alarmed?
4. Are all valuable items out of sight?
5. Does your car have a suitable alarm or visible deterrent?
6. Is your property inside your house suitable marked?
7. Have you ever heard of RADIUM?
8. Are you a member of neighbourhood watch?
9. Do you know about holiday watch?
If you have answered NO to any of these questions then you need to seriously think about contacting us so that we can advise you on protecting your property now.

USEFUL CONTACTS
Organisation Telephone Email/Website
DVLA – untaxed vehicles 08000 325202 www.dvla.gov.uk/public/unlic_veh/report_online_dg.htm
Bogus callers – Trading Standards 01732 525291
Handyvan/Homesafe – crime prevention for the over 65’s 07811271254
Unwanted phone calls/junk mail 0545 070 0707 www.tpsonline.org.uk

British Transport Police 0800 405040
Maidstone Borough Council 01622 602000