Introduction from the leader

As the Leader of Maidstone Borough Council, I am very pleased to introduce the Maidstone Community Safety Partnership Plan 2025–2028, which sets out the priorities of the Safer Maidstone Partnership.

Community safety in Maidstone is a shared responsibility, and we are proud to be part of this Community Safety Partnership that includes Kent Police, Kent County Council, Kent Fire and Rescue Service, Kent Probation Service, the Office of Kent Police and Crime Commissioner, and West Kent NHS.

The Safer Maidstone Partnership has worked for over a decade to reduce crime and disorder in Maidstone through a series of 3-year Community Safety Partnership plans, like this one.

Residents continue to express concerns about safety, including rising violence and domestic abuse. Through this plan, the partnership is introducing a new priority to specifically address violence against women and girls, reflecting our commitment to create a safer community for everyone.

This Plan outlines our partnership priorities, ensuring our efforts remain relevant and effective. We will continue to work together to protect our communities across Maidstone. The positive contributions of the Safer Maidstone Partnership and the importance of joint efforts cannot be overstated. By uniting our strengths, we can create a safer environment for all.

As we navigate potential changes in the local government landscape through local government reform, our commitment to protecting our community remains steadfast. Regardless of how long these changes take, we will continue to prioritise the safety and well-being of our residents, businesses, and visitors.

As the Leader of Maidstone Borough Council, I am committed to fostering even closer collaboration to maximise the opportunity to protect our community. We will uphold our shared values of respect, equality, diversity, inclusion, partnership and cooperation, sustainability, and community well-being. We will work hard to make Maidstone a place that everyone feels proud of and to ensure that everyone feels safe and secure.

This document will set out clearly for our residents:

• Our Community Safety objectives for the next three years
• Why the Partnership is focusing on these areas
• What we plan to achieve

- Cllr Stuart Jefferey, Leader of Maidstone Borough Council

Priorities

Community safety considerations

Based on the identified priorities and crosscutting themes, this section outlines the key contextual factors that will inform the SMP’s strategic. This includes statutory duties, evolving societal challenges, and insights from recent public consultations.

Strategic priorities and duties for community safety

Kent Police control strategy and PCC priorities

Community safety in Kent is shaped by the strategic priorities of Kent Police and the Kent Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), responsive to data and public surveys.

• Kent Police’s Control Strategy: focuses on Violence Against Women and Girls, Serious Violence and Harm, Organised Crime, and Exploitation. Emphasises proactive teams and partnerships, with child-centred policing central to early intervention.
• PCC’s Proposed Priorities for 2025-2028: built around cutting crime, supporting victims, and building trust, supported by protecting people, places, property, and productive partnerships. Key mechanisms include prevention, education, enforcement support for rehabilitation.

Serious violence duty

The Police Crime Sentencing Courts Act 2022 mandates a partnership-led public health approach to serious violence. Kent Medway’s Serious Violence Strategy focuses on three work streams led by organisations from across the partnership:

• sexual violence intervention (Kent Police)
• serious youth violence (Kent County Council)
• drug/alcohol-related violence mitigation (Medway Public Health)

Domestic abuse duty

Under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, SMP has a statutory duty to protect victims support survivors of domestic abuse. The SMP, through the Maidstone Domestic Abuse Forum (MDAF), delivers initiatives including safe accommodation, victim support professional training.

The Prevent Duty national terror threat

The UK’s counterterrorism landscape demands adaptive strategies. The Prevent Duty, established under the Counterterrorism and Security Act 2015, is crucial for safeguarding. Kent and Medway benefit from Home Office funding, enabling the Prevent team to address terrorism, extremism, and radicalisation risks.

Reducing re-offending and offender management

Despite a new early release scheme, reoffending rates remain a challenge. The multi-agency Integrated Offender Management (IOM) targets high-risk individuals across various crime types, including those discussed at the Serious Organised Crime Panel.

Devolution and local government reorganisation in Kent

Devolution aims to bring decision-making closer to communities. Potential reorganisation into unitary councils may affect funding and service structures. Understanding these changes is crucial for maintaining community safety.

Contextual factors and emerging challenges

COVID-19 Pandemic

While the immediate impact of COVID-19 has diminished, we continue to monitor its effects on health, well-being, education, and employment. Remaining vigilant in addressing emerging challenges is crucial to ensure our community's resilience and preparedness for future public health emergencies.

Impact of population changes on community safety

Maidstone's significant population increase places additional demands on community safety resources. Effective and responsive measures are essential to address changing demographics, ensuring that safety measures evolve to meet the needs of a growing community and maintain a secure environment for all residents.

Cost of Living Crisis

The cost-of-living crisis impacts community safety through rising unemployment, financial strain, and agency cuts, particularly in deprived areas. The SMP collaborates with grant-reliant charities to provide vital support, addressing the socioeconomic pressures that contribute to increased crime rates and mental health challenges.

2024 Public consultations on community safety

The 2024 Community Safety Survey (1203 responses) showed increased crime concerns, with anti-social behaviour, drugs, and weapons as the top issues. The Town Centre was highlighted as unsafe. The Youth Safety Survey (1994 responses) found improved safety perceptions but concerns about vaping, bullying, and fighting at school. Public consultation remains a key driver of the SMP’s approach.

Analysis of survey results

The 2024 surveys revealed both overlapping concerns and distinct issues within the Maidstone community. Both surveys highlight a significant perception of increased crime and safety concerns, with the Town Centre being a common area where respondents felt unsafe. Substance misuse emerges as a critical issue in both surveys, affecting community safety and youth environments.

However, while the Community Safety Survey emphasises anti-social behaviour, drugs, and weapon carrying as top concerns, the Youth Safety Survey, understandably, points to specific school-related issues such as underage vaping, verbal bullying, and physical fighting.

Notably, the Youth Safety Survey shows improvements in feelings of safety during the day and night, contrasting with the Community Safety Survey's more static perceptions of safety. Both surveys indicate ongoing concerns about safety and crime, both highlighting the need for targeted interventions to address these issues.

Core priorities

Our core priorities are:

• preventing and addressing violence against women and girls
• reducing serious violence in our communities
• reducing the harm of domestic abuse
• keeping children and young people safe
• providing a safe town centre

Priority one - preventing and addressing violence against women and girls

Listen, empower, challenge

What is the SMP’s Objective?

To create a community where women and girls are free from violence and feel safe and supported.

Why is it important?

Violence against women and girls is a widespread issue impacting individuals, families, and communities. Nationally, around 7 million women have been victims of sexual assault (including attempts) since the age of 16, while 2 million women have been victims of rape. Violence against women and girls is any act of gender-based violence causing physical, sexual, or mental harm, including threats, coercion, or deprivation of liberty, whether in public or private life.

Reported sexual offences are rising but represent less than 5% of the reported violence against women and girls, which as a whole is falling. However, underreporting is an issue for these offence types. The partnership plays a crucial role in encouraging reporting, supporting survivors, challenging perpetrators, and preventing future violence.

The SMP recognises that preventing and addressing violence against women and girls requires a coordinated and sustained effort. This includes listening to survivors, empowering women and girls, and challenging harmful behaviours. Through comprehensive strategies and collaborative actions, we aim to reduce the prevalence of violence and support those affected by it.

What is our focus?

Listen:

• Establish channels for women and girls to share their experiences and needs.
• Conduct regular focus groups, surveys, and host a Citizens' Assembly to gather insights from women and girls.
• Utilise women’s voices to raise awareness and challenge unwanted behaviour.

Empower:

• Run media campaigns that empower our community, especially male allies, to inspire everyone to do more.
• Develop and support services and initiatives that empower women and girls.
• Collaborate with the White Ribbon campaign to encourage organisations to become ambassadors of female safety.

Challenge:

• Utilise enforcement tools and implement programmes to challenge perpetrators.
• Advocate for stricter laws and policies to challenge offenders and protect victims.
• Speak out against toxic masculinity, unwanted behaviour, gender stereotypes, and victim-blaming.
• Challenge men to “Be Better” and play a role in advocating for the safety of women

How we will deliver our objective

To effectively deliver on our objective of preventing and addressing violence against women and girls, we will establish a new SMP Subgroup dedicated to this cause. This subgroup will work collaboratively to implement the focus areas of Listen, Empower, and Challenge.

Outcomes:

• Short-term: increased reporting of incidents and victim participation in support programmes.
• Medium-term: improved survivor well-being and reduced incidents of violence.
• Long-term: a cultural shift towards zero tolerance for violence against women and girls.

Metrics for success:

• Quantitative indicators: number of reported incidents, and participation rates in support programmes.
• Qualitative indicators: survivor feedback, community perception surveys, and victim/survivor case studies.

Theory of change:

• Goal or impact: to create a community where women and girls are free from violence and feel safe and supported.
• Outputs: number of support programmes implemented, awareness campaigns conducted, and partnerships established.
• Activities: conducting workshops, providing resources, and collaborating with local organisations.
• Inputs: funding, trained staff, and community partnerships.
• Assumptions: belief that community engagement and education can reduce violence.
• Pathways of change: increased awareness and support lead to higher reporting rates, which in turn lead to better resource allocation and reduced violence.
• Indicators: metrics to measure progress at each stage, such as programme participation rates and feedback from survivors.

Priority two - reducing serious violence in our communities

Prevent, protect, pursue

What is the SMP’s Objective?

To create a community where serious violence is significantly reduced, and residents feel safe and supported.

Why is this important?

Serious violence, including knife crime, gang activities, and assaults, threatens the safety and well-being of our community. It undermines trust and security, making it essential to address these issues to create a safe and thriving environment.

Maidstone must continue to reduce serious violence, which has reduced by 5% since 2019/21. The Town Centre still accounts for disproportionate amounts of the violence, particularly in the night-time economy. Collaboration between local authorities, law enforcement, community organisations, and businesses is not only key, but a duty. By fostering a culture of non-violence, mutual respect and early intervention can help build a safer community for all.

We must also remain vigilant to the risks of extremism and radicalisation, ensuring that we recognise the vulnerable and protect them from those who work to foster hate in our communities.

The Safer Maidstone Partnership recognises that reducing serious violence requires a coordinated approach, including prevention, protection, and the pursuit of offenders. Through targeted strategies and collaborative efforts, we aim to reduce violence and enhance community safety.

What is our focus?

Prevent:

• Develop initiatives to educate residents about the causes and consequences of serious violence, including knife crimes, extremism, and night-time economy (NTE) related violence.
• Implement programmes targeting at-risk youth to prevent involvement in violent activities.
• Look for opportunities for early intervention, utilising tools such as Active Bystander, to reduce the risk of violence.

Protect:

• Enhance community engagement to increase vigilance and community involvement.
• Work collaboratively to target high-risk areas, particularly during peak NTE hours.
• Improve lighting and surveillance in areas prone to violence.

Pursue:

• Maximise the use of powers and intelligence to identify those at risk and to investigate and prosecute violent crimes.
• Strengthen collaboration between law enforcement agencies to share intelligence and resources.
• Support victim advocacy programs to assist survivors through the legal process.

How we will deliver our objective

To effectively deliver on our objective of reducing serious violence in our community, we will continue to utilise the Serious Organised Crime Panel and our Task Forces. These subgroups will work collaboratively to implement the focus areas of Prevent, Protect, and Pursue.

Outcomes:

• Short-term: increased awareness and reporting of violent incidents.
• Medium-term: decrease in violent crime rates and improved community-police relations.
• Long-term: a safer community with sustained low levels of serious violence.

Metrics for success:

• Quantitative indicators: reduction in violent crime rates, number of community outreach events, and increased police patrols.
• Qualitative indicators: community feedback on safety, victim satisfaction with law enforcement response, and case resolution rates.

Theory of change:

• Goal or impact: to significantly reduce incidents of serious violence and enhance community safety.
• Outputs: number of prevention programmes implemented, protective measures installed, and offenders prosecuted.
• Activities: conducting educational workshops, enhancing security infrastructure, and supporting law enforcement operations.
• Inputs: funding, trained personnel, community partnerships, and technological resources.
• Assumptions: belief that comprehensive prevention, protection, and pursuit strategies will reduce serious violence.
• Pathways of change: increased education and preventive measures lead to reduced risk factors, while enhanced protection and pursuit efforts deter and address violent behaviour.
• Indicators: metrics to measure progress at each stage, such as programme participation rates and feedback from survivors.

Priority three - reducing the harm of domestic abuse

Assist, support, heal

What is the SMP’s Objective?

To reduce the prevalence and impact of domestic abuse, ensuring victims receive the support they need to recover and thrive.

Why is this important?

The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 defines domestic abuse as controlling, coercive, threatening behaviour, violence, or abuse between intimate partners or family members. This abuse can be psychological, physical, sexual, financial, or emotional.

Domestic abuse accounts for 16% of Maidstone’s recorded crime and a significant portion of violence against women and girls. Women are disproportionately affected nationally, with one in four experiencing domestic abuse in their lifetime, and more than 80% of rapists are known to their victims.

The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 places a duty on local authorities and partners to support victims. The Maidstone Domestic Abuse Forum continues to build on more than 10 years of focused work to support victims and is working to meet the requirements of the duty.

The 2023 Kent Domestic Abuse Needs Assessment notes that North Kent, including Maidstone, exhibits higher reported domestic abuse incident rates compared to other Kent regions and faces notable service gaps, especially in rural areas.

What is our focus?

Assist:

• Map support services with agency Single Points of Contact represented at the Maidstone Domestic Abuse Forum.
• Implement a QR code reporting system in high-risk areas and accessible locations, including doctors' surgeries.
• Gather insights from the Citizens Assembly on violence against women and girls.

Support:

• Adopt a "Think Family" approach to address the needs of the entire family.
• Implement the DART™ (Domestic Abuse, Recovering Together) Programme.
• Organise events to enhance stakeholder understanding, collaboration and knowledge sharing.

Heal:

• Expand recovery services for domestic abuse victims.
• Provide training on trauma bonding and victim-blaming language.
• Secure and advocate for the Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance (DAHA) accreditation for housing partners/providers.

How we will deliver our objective

To effectively deliver on our objective of reducing the harm of domestic abuse, the Maidstone Domestic Abuse Forum will remain the subgroup dedicated to this cause. This subgroup will build on their work to date and work collaboratively to implement the focus areas of Assist, Support, and Heal.

Outcomes:

• Short-term: increased reporting and awareness of domestic abuse.
• Medium-term: improved support and recovery services for victims.
• Long-term: a community where domestic abuse is significantly reduced, and victims are supported in their recovery.

Metrics for success:

• Quantitative indicators: number of support services mapped, and agency Single Points of Contact (SPOCs) represented; Number of QR code reporting systems implemented; Participation rates in the DART™ programme and stakeholder events.
• Qualitative indicators: survivor feedback, community awareness levels, and long-term recovery rates.

Theory of change:

• Goal or impact: to reduce the harm caused by domestic abuse and support victims in their recovery.
• Outputs: mapped services, QR code reporting systems, DART™ Programme, and professionals’ events.
• Activities: mapping services, implementing reporting systems, conducting training, and organising events.
• Inputs: funding, trained personnel, community partnerships, and resources.
• Assumptions: comprehensive assistance, support, and healing strategies will reduce domestic abuse and aid victim recovery.
• Pathways of change: increased reporting and support lead to better recovery and reduced domestic abuse.
• Indicators: service mapping rates, reporting system implementation, program participation, and feedback.

Priority four - keeping children and young people safe

Safeguard, connect, nurture

What is the SMP’s objective?

To ensure that children and young people are safe, supported, and empowered to thrive.

Why is this important?

Many children and young people live in abusive and violent households or are affected by drugs and alcohol. We must safeguard them from harm, including drug supply and sexual exploitation (CSE), and address issues such as knife crime, serious youth violence, and gang culture. Additionally, some young people's behaviour poses risks to themselves and the community.

Understanding the unique challenges faced by young people due to their parenting, technology, and environment helps us practice empathy and build necessary relationships. Focusing on boys, young men, and children with special educational needs (SEN) is crucial, as they are more likely to engage in criminality, including violence and knife crime. Additionally, those with Education Health & Care Plans are increasingly overrepresented among those suspended or excluded, making them vulnerable to harm.

Building meaningful relationships and providing role models are key to challenging negative behaviours, supporting their understanding of acceptable social norms, and ensuring their safety and well-being.

What is our focus?

Safeguard:

• Create safe spaces and affordable diversion activities for young people, particularly teens, in collaboration with sports clubs and community organisations.
• Adopt the NHS "child not brought" approach and support parents with a firm but kind approach.
• Use a trauma-informed approach to reduce violent crime and extremism, making referrals to specialists as necessary.

Connect:

• Create platforms for young people to voice their concerns and participate in decision-making processes.
• Enhance public confidence by involving the community in youth safety initiatives and celebrating positive youth messages.
• Use youth surveys to understand their needs and improve service accessibility.

Nurture:

• Provide constructive outlets and support to tackle antisocial behaviour.
• Ensure every contact matters, encouraging tolerance, respect, and empathy.
• Utilise role modelling from partners and groups, and build pride in their spaces, home, school, and community.

How we will deliver our objective

To effectively deliver on our objective of keeping children and young people safe, we will build on the work of the District Contextual Safeguarding Meeting and the Local Children's Partnership Group. We will utilise the strengths of the new Family Hubs, the Child Centred Policing team, and local charities that work to support and divert young people at risk of harm. This collaborative approach will implement the focus areas of Safeguard, Connect, and Nurture via cohesive shared action plans.

Outcomes:

• Short-term: increased awareness and reporting of child safety concerns.
• Medium-term: improved well-being and safety of children and young people.
• Long-term: a community where children and young people are consistently safe and supported.

Metrics for success:

• Quantitative Indicators: number of child protection policies implemented, training sessions conducted, and youth participation rates.
• Qualitative Indicators: feedback from children and young people, community perception surveys, and case studies of successful interventions.

Theory of change:

• Goal or impact: to ensure that children and young people are safe, supported, and empowered to thrive.
• Outputs: number of safeguarding measures implemented, mentorship programmes established, and safe spaces created.
• Activities: conducting training sessions, establishing mentorship programs, and developing safe recreational spaces.
• Inputs: funding, trained personnel, community partnerships, and educational resources.
• Assumptions: that comprehensive safeguarding, connection, and nurturing strategies will enhance the safety and well-being of children and young people.
• Pathways of change: increased safeguarding measures and youth engagement lead to better protection and support, fostering a safer environment for children and young people.
• Indicators: metrics to measure progress at each stage, such as policy implementation rates, youth engagement levels, and feedback from children and young people.

Priority five - providing a safe town centre

Safe, secure, welcoming

What is the SMP’s Objective?

To create a Town Centre that is safe, secure, and welcoming for all residents, visitors, and businesses.

Why is this important?

Maidstone, the County Town of Kent, hosts one of the largest retail centres in the southeast and has excellent transport links to London and the County. The town is a hub for retail, leisure, and work, attracting residents, commuters, and school children. It also has a vibrant night-time economy, which brings both challenges and rewards.

Despite these advantages, recent surveys indicate that both adults and young people sometimes feel unsafe in the Town Centre. Isolated but unacceptable incidents have damaged the town's reputation, which is often amplified by social and online media. We must acknowledge that the Town Centre attracts a diverse population, both as residents and visitors, leading to occasional incidents.

What is our focus?

Safe:

• Continue to utilise partnerships to enhance policing efforts in the Town Centre through the Town Centre Task Force.
• Develop strategies with businesses to reduce violence and ensure the safety of women in the night-time economy.
• Continue to provide support services for vulnerable individuals, including outreach programmes and assistance for the homeless.

Secure:

• Strengthen security measures in public spaces, with MaidSafe as part of the response to Martyn's Law and the Prevent Duty.
• Focus on businesses that exploit young people and other vulnerable people, sell illegal products and encourage anti-social behaviour.
• Through the Business Crime Reduction Partnership, strengthen collaboration between the police, local authorities, and businesses to share intelligence and resources.

Welcoming:

• Foster a sense of community through events and initiatives that promote positive interactions.
• Maintain a clean and well-kept environment to enhance the Town Centre's appeal.
• Work towards achieving Green Flag status for Brenchley Gardens.

How we will deliver our objective

To effectively deliver on our objective of providing a safe Town Centre, we will build on the extensive and celebrated work of the Town Centre Task Force. Their collaborative efforts are based around three workstreams: maintaining understanding of the evolving challenges, pursuing offenders/challenging and changing behaviour, and engagement and legacy. This approach will incorporate the focus areas of Safe, Secure, and Welcoming.

Outcomes:

• Short-term: enhanced collaborative policing and increased support services for vulnerable individuals within the town centre.
• Medium-term: reduced violence and anti-social behaviour, and improved safety for women in the NTE.
• Long-term: a town centre that is consistently safe, secure, and welcoming, with a positive reputation.

Metrics for success:

• Quantitative indicators: reduction in crime rates; number of businesses participating in Martyn's Law initiatives; Maidsafe radio subscriptions; number of positive Community Safety press releases.
• Qualitative indicators: community feedback on safety, visitor satisfaction, and business confidence gained via annual surveys.

Theory of change:

• Goal or impact: to create a town centre that is safe, secure, and welcoming for all residents, visitors, and businesses.
• Outputs: number of safety measures implemented, partnerships established, and community events held.
• Activities: increasing policing presence, improving surveillance, and fostering community engagement.
• Inputs: funding, trained personnel, community partnerships, and technological resources.
• Assumptions: that comprehensive safety, security, and community engagement strategies will enhance the Town Centre's environment.
• Pathways of change: increased safety measures and community engagement lead to reduced crime and a more welcoming environment.
• Indicators: metrics to measure progress at each stage, such as crime statistics, community engagement levels, and feedback from residents and visitors.

Cross-cutting themes

Taking a trauma-informed and public health approach

Why is this important?

There is a significant body of evidence that identifies that a public health approach is needed to reduce violence and reduce the wider determinants of crime. A public health approach addresses violence through primary prevention and considers multiple risk factors. Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) significantly impact long-term health and behaviour.

What we will do:

• Adopt a trauma-informed approach, recognising the impact of ACEs on crime and anti-social behaviour.
• Focus on early intervention and prevention, addressing social inequalities and wider determinants of crime.
• Raise awareness of ACEs among professionals to ensure they are considered in assessments.

Tackling anti-social behaviour (ASB) in our communities

Why is this important?

ASB significantly impacts community well-being and increases fear of crime. It varies by location, from rowdy behaviour in the Town Centre to off-road bikes in rural areas. Youth ASB is a growing concern, often linked to issues like a lack of respect and entitlement. Teenagers may, though, be the most demonised age group in the UK today. They are also the least heard, engaged and understood. As set out in Section 6, anti-social behaviour remains a persistent threat to our communities, with drunk rowdy behaviour and nuisance vehicles, such as off-road bikes, a prevalent issue.

What we will do:

• Deliver a victim-focused response with robust use of ASB enforcement powers.
• Increase understanding of ASB drivers for a more informed approach.
• Utilise local information through Ward Cluster Meetings for an intelligence-led approach.

Enhancing public confidence and perception

Why is this important?

Public perception of safety can differ from reality, affecting community trust and engagement. Fear of crime can lead to social isolation and increased vulnerability. The surveys undertaken in 2024 highlighted that the perception that crime and ASB remains higher than the reality. The acts of a small minority within our communities continue, through local and social media, to drive up these concerns, with the action taken to deal with these issues often overlooked in the media or met with contempt.

What we will do:

• Improve community engagement through a partnership communications strategy focused on public reassurance.
• Build on the legacy of Safer Streets, utilising the MaidSafer branding to underpin campaigns and messaging.
• Undertake a Citizens Assembly on Violence Against Women and Girls to hear public concerns.
• Enhance reporting methods for crime and ASB and publicise the ASB Case Review Process for unresolved complaints.

Reducing the harm caused by substance misuse

Why is this important?

Substance misuse is linked to domestic abuse, serious violence, child safety, violence against women and girls, and town centre safety. It increases aggression, impairs judgment, and is associated with violent behaviour. Environments with substance misuse compromise the safety of children and young people. Violence against women and girls often involves substance misuse by perpetrators. Public intoxication impacts town centre safety through disorderly conduct and violence. Addressing substance misuse is crucial for improving community safety and reducing these issues.

What we will do:

• Share data and intelligence to identify and support vulnerable individuals.
• Provide intensive support for those at risk of exploitation and drug-related harm.
• Support the work of the Community Alcohol Partnership, the Substance Misuse Alliance and charities such as Change Grow Live at both a strategic and operational level.
• Challenge the businesses that put young people at risk from underage drinking, vaping and substance abuse.
• Support the mapping of services to ensure vulnerable individuals and their families are aware of the support available to them.

Reducing reoffending and addressing the underlying drivers of crime

Why is this important?

Reducing reoffending is a statutory duty for CSPs. Persistent offending not only harms victims but also places a significant burden on the justice system and society. Addressing the underlying drivers of crime, such as substance misuse, mental health, poverty, and lack of education, can help break the cycle of criminal behaviour. Addressing the social determinants of crime, such as housing instability, unemployment, and lack of access to education and training, is essential. Providing the necessary support to reintegrate offenders into society can significantly reduce the risk of reoffending.

What we will do:

• Enforce against persistent offenders and disrupt serious and organised crime.
• Support offenders with housing, training, and employment services.
• Address substance misuse and mental health issues as key factors in criminal behaviour.
• Use a trauma-informed approach to address the root causes of criminal behaviour.

Safeguarding individuals with mental health vulnerabilities

Why is this important?

Mental health issues can lead to victimisation, anti-social behaviour (ASB), and isolation. Addressing mental health is crucial for community safety and well-being, especially among young people who are particularly vulnerable.

Individuals with mental health vulnerabilities often face compromised decision-making abilities, making them more susceptible to exploitation and organised crime. Substance misuse, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), and trauma can exacerbate these vulnerabilities, leading to a cycle of victimisation and further mental health deterioration. By addressing these factors, we can help prevent self-harm and suicide and promote a healthier, safer community.

What we will do:

• Safeguard individuals at risk from exploitation and organised crime.
• Ensure access to mental health support for victims and perpetrators.
• Use a trauma-informed approach for vulnerable individuals.
• Protect against radicalisation and provide support for those at risk of exploitation or self-harm.

Appendix 1 - Summary of the information analysed in the strategic assessment

Community safety survey analysis

Conducting surveys helps capture individuals' perceptions of safety and how they feel the partnership is addressing issues in their area and the borough. Surveys provide representative responses, highlighting areas of concern and ensuring the Partnership’s priorities align with those of Maidstone residents.

In Autumn 2024, we conducted a survey with 1,203 responses to understand public perception of community safety, comparing some questions to the 2021 survey. Key findings include:

• Over five out of six respondents felt crime had increased in Maidstone over the last three years.
• The top issues needing attention were anti-social behaviour, substance misuse, and people carrying weapons, unchanged from 2021.
• The Town Centre was the top location where respondents felt unsafe, with three-quarters mentioning it.
• In local areas, 73.2% saw drug and substance misuse as a significant problem, followed by youth ASB at 69.8%.
• 72.2% felt crime in their local area had increased in the last three years, similar to 2021.
• Positive responses about parental responsibility for children decreased from 30.3% in 2021 to 22.8% in 2024.
• 37.8% felt safe in their local area during the day, similar to 2021.
• The most common reason for feeling unsafe was witnessing crime or ASB, cited by four in ten respondents.
• 67.0% were very or fairly worried about home or vehicle break-ins, the top concern in 2021 as well.
• "Keeping children and young people safe" remained the highest priority for respondents.
• One in five respondents did not trust the local police.
• Negative responses about the effectiveness of police and public services in dealing with crime and ASB increased from 47.5% in 2021 to 53.6% in 2024.

What data we used and what it told us

The key findings from the Strategic Assessment 2025 are as follows:

Overall crime trends in Maidstone:

• Decrease in Overall Crime: From 2019 to 2024, overall crime in Maidstone decreased. The average annual crime rate for 2019–2021 was 16,102.67, while for 2022–2024 it decreased to 15,466.00.
• Crime Volumes: Total crime volumes for Maidstone in 2024 stand at 15,240, ranking it second in the borough below Medway. When considering the district population figures, Maidstone drops to 7th.

Crime type analysis:

• Violent crime: slight decrease, indicating some success in tackling severe offences.
• Theft and handling: a significant rise, suggesting an area needing more focused attention.
• Criminal damage: decreased, which is a positive sign for property protection.
• Public order offences: notable decline, reflecting potential improvements in community behaviours.
• Vehicle crime: increased slightly, indicating a need for continued vigilance.
• Vehicle interference and possession of weapons: the highest percentage increases, often linked to proactive policing like stop and search.
• Drug offences have risen due to proactive policing measures.
• Burglary in business and community areas: significantly decreased, indicating improved security or effective policing.

Domestic abuse

• Incidents: In 2022–2024, Maidstone saw an 8.5% decrease in total domestic abuse incidents compared to the previous three years. Violence Against the Person incidents dropped by 10.2%, and Stalking/Harassment cases fell by 13.3%. However, there was a concerning 25.2% increase in Sexual Offences and a 9.6% rise in rape cases from partners or ex-partners.
• MARAC Data: MARAC cases continue to rise in 2024, but the number of repeat cases continues to fall slowly. The number of children in households affected by domestic abuse has generally increased over the years, despite a slight decrease in the last year.

Violence against women and girls

• Local context: 87% of women feel unsafe in Maidstone Town Centre at night.
• Incidents: domestic abuse makes up 51% of all Violence Against Women and Girls. Overall incidents decreased by 6.36% from December 2023 to November 2024.

Keeping children and young people safe

• Youth population: Maidstone has approximately 43,800 individuals aged 0–19, making up 24% of the population.
• Hospital admissions: hospital admissions for those aged 0–29 (1,050) account for 47% of all those for self-harm. Alcohol and substance misuse (670) accounts for 35% of admissions in under-29s.
• Youth justice: youth offenders decreased by 31% in 2023/24; theft and handling stolen goods are the most common offences.

Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) trends in Maidstone

• Overall decrease: long-term trend shows a fluctuating pattern but an overall decrease from 2019 to 2024.
• Increase in 2024: notable increase in 2024 with an additional 556 reported incidents.
• ASB volumes: ASB volumes for Maidstone in 2024 stand at 2,972, ranking it second in the County below Medway. When considering the district population figures, Maidstone drops to fifth.
• Increase in ASB rate: Maidstone’s increase from 13.1 per 1,000 to 16.2 per 1,000 represents a 23% increase in ASB, significantly different from the Kent average of a 4% decrease.

Ward-based crime and ASB:

• High Street Ward: remains the area with the highest crime rate per population, despite a slight decrease.
• Leeds: saw the most significant percentage increase at 51%.
• Harrietsham and Lenham: followed with a 31% increase.
• South: experienced the largest decrease at 21%.
• ASB in High Street: the highest ASB rate per population, increasing from 41.5 to 50.3 incidents per 1,000 population.

These findings highlight the areas of improvement and concern in crime and anti-social behaviour in Maidstone, guiding the strategic priorities and actions for the Safer Maidstone Partnership.

Appendix 2 - Safer Maidstone Partnership governance

This section describes how the Safer Maidstone Partnership works as a structured entity.

Safer Maidstone Partnership Executive Group

The Executive Group works with all other strategic boards in the borough to provide governance and ensure high-quality and cost-effective services. The key functions include:

• Provide strategic leadership and vision to make Maidstone a safer borough.
• Be a strategic driver, working with all partners to support the direction of the partnership.
• Deliver sustainable Community Safety Strategy priorities and any relevant targets arising from these priorities.
• Deliver statutory responsibilities held by the Safer Maidstone Partnership Executive Group.
• Have oversight, receive, and agree on funds and funding applications relating to community safety within Maidstone.

Overview and scrutiny committee

As required by the Crime and Disorder (Overview and Scrutiny) Regulations 2009, the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, acting as the Crime and Disorder Committee, reviews, scrutinises, and makes recommendations regarding the work of the responsible authorities regarding crime and disorder. MBC Elected Members are invited to ‘Members Briefings’ and training sessions, where specialist training is provided to support them in their understanding of the priorities themselves and the work that is being undertaken.

Safer Maidstone Partnership

The SMP is responsible for:

• Implementing CSP strategic priorities and targets on behalf of the Executive Group.
• Fulfilling statutory responsibilities.
• Addressing community safety issues, including those arising from new government policies or emerging trends or concerns.

SMP subgroups

The partnership is structured so that it has subgroups to develop, coordinate, and deliver activities to achieve the outcomes for each of the core priority themes. Each sub-group is responsible for:

• Producing an action plan: creating a detailed plan with measurable activities and indicators.
• Resource allocation: ensuring that there are sufficient resources available to deliver these plans.
• Funding applications: submitting applications to obtain additional resources where required.
• Integrating cross-cutting themes: ensuring that themes such as equality, diversity, and inclusion are integrated into the action plans.
• Monitoring and evaluation: regularly reviewing progress and evaluating the impact of their activities to ensure they are meeting their objectives.
• Community engagement: actively engaging with the community to gather feedback and ensure that the activities are meeting the needs of local residents.
• Collaboration with other subgroups and stakeholders: to leverage additional expertise and resources as necessary.

Appendix 3 - glossary of terms

• ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences): traumatic events occurring before the age of 18, including abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction, which can have long-term impacts on health and well-being.
• Child Centred Policing Team: a specialised police unit focused on addressing the needs and safety of children and young people.
• Citizens Assembly: a group of citizens brought together to discuss and provide insights on specific issues, such as violence against women and girls.
• Community Safety Survey: a survey conducted in 2024 to gather feedback from residents on crime, disorder, and community safety issues.
• CSP (Community Safety Partnership): a local partnership of agencies working together to reduce crime, disorder, and fear of crime in the community.
• DA Forum: Domestic Abuse Forum, a platform for professionals and agencies to collaborate on addressing domestic abuse.
• DAHA (Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance): an accreditation for housing providers that meet standards for supporting domestic abuse victims.
• DART™ (Domestic Abuse, Recovering Together) Programme: a program designed to support families recovering from domestic abuse.
• DCSM (District Contextual Safeguarding Meeting): a meeting focused on safeguarding children and young people within the district, addressing contextual risks and protective factors.
• Family Hubs: community centres that provide a range of services and support for families.
• MAPPA (Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements): a framework to manage the risks posed by violent and sexual offenders living in the community.
• MARAC (Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference): a meeting where information is shared on the highest risk domestic abuse cases between representatives of local agencies.
• Martyn's Law: legislation aimed at improving security in public places to prevent terrorist attacks, named in memory of Martyn Hett, a victim of the Manchester Arena bombing.
• Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking: crimes where traffickers exploit individuals through forced labour or commercial sex. These crimes are often rooted in poverty, discrimination, and lack of social protection.
• NHS "Child Not Brought" Approach: a policy used by the National Health Service to follow up on children who miss appointments, ensuring their safety and well-being.
• PCC (Police and Crime Commissioner): an elected official responsible for ensuring the policing needs of the community
  are met and holding the police force accountable.
• Prevent: a UK government strategy aimed at stopping people from becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism.
• Public Health Approach: a strategy that focuses on preventing health issues and promoting well-being at a community level.
• Quantitative Indicators: measures that provide numerical data to assess progress, such as the number of policies implemented or training sessions conducted.
• Qualitative Indicators: measures that provide descriptive data to assess progress, such as feedback from participants or case studies.
• SMP (Safer Maidstone Partnership): the local Community Safety Partnership (CSP) for Maidstone, working to reduce crime, disorder, and fear of crime in the community.
• SOCP (Serious Organised Crime Panel): a collaborative effort between agencies to tackle serious and organised crime, including modern slavery and human trafficking, knife crime and reoffending.
• SPOC (Single Point of Contact): a designated individual within an agency responsible for coordinating and managing specific tasks or services.
• Strategic Assessment: a comprehensive analysis of crime, disorder, and community safety issues to inform strategic planning and decision-making.
• Theory of Change: a comprehensive description and illustration of how and why a desired change is expected to happen in a particular context.
• Think Family: an approach that considers the needs of the entire family when providing support and services.
• Trauma-Informed Approach: a method of care that recognises and responds to the impact of trauma on individuals, ensuring that services are sensitive to their needs.
• Violence Against Women and Girls, including DA: efforts and initiatives aimed at preventing and addressing violence against women and girls, including domestic abuse.
• White Ribbon: an international campaign to end male violence against women, promoting gender equality and respectful relationships.
• Youth Survey: a tool used to gather feedback and insights from young people about their needs and experiences.