The impact of the pandemic continues to be considered as a factor in each individual priority theme, wherever it is relevant.

4

The pandemic has significantly shaped our lives. While its impact remains an ongoing concern, we recognise that its relevance is gradually diminishing as a virus. Measures such as national lockdowns, social distancing, and temporary closures of educational institutions have directly affected individuals’ physical health, mental well-being, education, and employment. As we navigate the “new normal,” we remain vigilant in addressing the challenges posed by the pandemic, and our commitment to community safety and well-being remains steadfast.

Operational delivery must continue to adapt to provide support and mitigate against those who would exploit people made vulnerable by the cost-of-living crisis and to support the changes in service delivery.

5

Driven by a combination of international and national factors, the current cost of living crisis exerts additional socioeconomic pressure, likely impacting community safety. Key points include:

1. Unemployment and Financial Pressures:
• Escalating unemployment rates and financial strain can lead to increased crime rates and affect mental health and other determinants of safety.
• The strain on agencies due cuts may result in service reviews and losses, particularly in already deprived areas where financial challenges exacerbate social exclusion.

o    Maidstone has 2 LSOAs amongst the 10% most deprived areas in England and ranks 8th out of 12 local authorities in Kent. 188^th out of 317 in England for deprivation.

2. Impact on Service Capacity:
• Services face capacity challenges as they adapt to financial pressures.
• The Safer Maidstone Partnership (SMP) collaborates with the charity sector, which relies heavily on grants to deliver vital and specialised services within the borough.
• The absence of these services could intensify pressures on statutory agency services.
3. Reducing KCC Community Wardens:
• The reduction in KCC Community Wardens may impact community resilience and the ability to address safety concerns promptly.
• Fewer wardens could affect vulnerable individuals and hinder community cohesion.
4. Introduction of Family Hubs:
• While the concept of Family Hubs aims to provide comprehensive support, it’s essential to consider potential trade-offs.
• The shift in focus may lead to reduced resources for existing services, including Youth workers and safe spaces for teenagers.
• Ensuring a balanced approach that addresses both immediate safety needs and long-term community well-being is crucial and will rely on the partnership to find new solutions. 

The CSP has a duty to collaborate to prevent

 serious violence.

6

The Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 (PCSC Act) introduced a new duty that reinforces the need for a partnership led, public health approach to reduce systemic serious violence.   Led by the Kent Police & Crime Commissioner (PCC) and the Kent and Medway Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) are working with Kent’s CSPs to reduce serious violence, defined in the Kent Strategy as:

“Specific types of crime such as homicide, knife crime, gun crime and areas of criminality where serious violence or its threat is inherent, such as in domestic abuse, sexual offences, gangs, county lines, and drug supply.”

The SMP is well placed to continue to deliver work

 which will prevent and

reduce serious violence

with strong links to existing

CSP Plan Priorities.

7

The Kent and Medway Strategy outlines three core aims which complement the priorities set out in our CSP Plan:

• Reducing Violence: Targeting both partner violence and public space violence, aiming for a 10% reduction each year.
• Protecting Children and Young People: Ensuring they grow up without trauma and fear, especially girls and women disproportionately affected by violence.

o    Creating Safe Communities: Promoting safe socialising.

The Kent and Medway Strategy for reducing violence is also aligned to the SMP Priorities.

8

The Kent and Medway Strategies Board have identified three priority work streams:

1.  Sexual Violence (Led by Kent Police):

o    The existing structure includes a draft strategy (the Kent and Medway Partnership Domestic Abuse Strategy 2024-2029) with three key areas: Early Intervention and Prevention, Immediate Need, and Recovery. The Serious Violence Strategy will primarily address sexual violence and complement existing efforts.

2.  Serious Youth Violence (Led by Kent County Council):

o    Children and young people face a significantly higher risk of violence when compared to older adults.

o    Despite constituting 19.2% of the county’s population, they account for 44.1% of serious violence suspects and 38.9% of victims.

o    Early experiences of violence or neglect can escalate into further violence during adolescence and early adulthood.

3.  Violence linked to Drugs and Alcohol (Led by Medway Public Health):

o    An increase in violence is linked to people being out in town centres late at night, often associated with alcohol and/or illegal drug use.

o    Collaborating with businesses and communities can help design out violence and raise awareness of available resources and support.

o    Addiction to alcohol or drugs may drive individuals to use violence to meet the demands of their addiction.

Kent Police's new Neighbourhood Policing model, implemented in June 2023, led to significant changes in community policing, introducing Beat Police Constables and district and divisional teams focused on key areas of neighbourhood crime.

9

Kent Police implemented their new Neighbourhood Policing Model in June 2023, resulting in significant changes to community policing. Amongst the changes was the redeployment of PCSOs, who were replaced in communities by Beat Police Constables who now serve in communities. The PCSOs joined district and divisional teams focusing on key areas of neighbourhood crime:

The new model is thriving in Maidstone due to the established frameworks from the Maidstone and Town Centre Task Forces, Ward Clusters, and robust relationships.

10

The success of the Neighbourhood Policing Model in Maidstone can be attributed to existing frameworks, including the Maidstone and Town Centre Task Forces, Ward Clusters, and strong relationships. These structures provided a solid framework for implementing the model effectively, while Kent Police focused on resourcing their new partnership approach, which was rolled out in Kent based on the work undertaken in Maidstone in the last 5 years. 

The 2021 Community Safety Surveys remain relevant and will be updated and redelivered throughout 2024, ahead of the new CSP plan in 2025. 

11

Our Resident’s, Public and Youth safety surveys were used to guide our priorities for 2022-25. Details of these surveys are in Appendix 1. These surveys were part of our efforts to shape the current Community Safety Partnership Plan for 2022-25. Operational surveys, like quality-of-life surveys, gauge local crime perceptions. However, these are not detailed in this document. Looking ahead, we plan to conduct new Community Safety and Youth Safety surveys in 2024, in preparation for the 2025 update of the CSP Plan.

24

The Ward Clusters* group together up to four Wards with similar geography, demographics, and concerns.  The Ward Clusters, which are made up as follows, are shown on Map 2 (appendix 3):

* Please note that new Clusters have been introduced in 2024, to reflect the new Ward Boundaries.

Since 2021, Ward Cluster meetings have provided Ward Members and Parish Councils a platform to engage with representatives from across the CSP. These have also become the geographical boundaries for Beat Officers to focus their efforts under the new policing model.

25

In 2021, the SMP introduced Ward Cluster meetings to support engagement with Ward Members and Parish Councils, with the purpose of providing a framework to:

·         increase engagement and understanding between all parties regarding Community Safety, including anti-social behaviour and neighbour nuisance, within each cluster.   

·         ensure that an evidence-based approach is taken in addressing concerns within communities.

·         share initiatives and operational information, where appropriate and relevant to each cluster

·         to encourage member, officers, and police officers to work collaboratively to challenge, report and prevent crime within each cluster. 

The Cluster process was disrupted during 2023 which the police introduced their new policing model. But the feedback received indicates that the new model, particularly the beat officers, have been well received in the communities. 

Crime data is broken down into Victim Based Crimes and Crimes Against Society.  Data is also provided in relation to ASB.

26

The crime data provided in this report is made up of two categories:

Data is also provided in relation to ASB, but this is not a recorded as a crime, although it can be criminalised using various statues.  Further detail on this is provided later in the report. 

Victim based crime makes up most of all crime but it is falling.  Urban, densely populated clusters naturally see higher volumes of crimes than the more rural areas of the borough.

27

The VBC (Table Three), CAS (Table Four) and ASB data (Table Five) for each Cluster is provided in Appendix 2. Across the Clusters, VBC reduced by 6%, having increase by 2% in 2022.  Cluster 5 accounts for 36% of all VBC, with High Street ward accounting for 21% of the cluster alone.  Only Cluster 1 increased between 2022 and 2023, but, as detailed in paragraph 23, 54% of that increase is linked to increases in violence against the person in Heath Ward, most of the rest being linked to shoplifting in Allington.  Cluster 5 accounts for the majority of CAS (42%), however, CAS is often led by proactive policing, as opposed to reported crime, and some of the reductions may reflect the time taken to imbed the new policing model and changes in roles.  Cluster 5 also accounts for the majority of ASB (30%).  Significant reductions in reported ASB continued in Cluster 5, which includes the Town Centre.  This is explored later in this report in relation to the Town Centre, Youth Safety and as a cross-cutting theme. Shepway South accounts for nearly half of the increase in ASB in Cluster 8.   

Serious violence reduced, but violence against a person, including domestic abuse, still makes up over 40% of all crimes.

28

Crimes of most serious violence, which includes Murder, Attempted Murders, Death or serious injury by dangerous driving, Death by careless, inconsiderate driving and Wounding (Grievous Bodily Harm) are shown in this chart. In each year, GBH makes up a significant proportion of the crimes in this category.

Violence against a person, which includes common assault, actual bodily harm and domestic abuse has decreased significantly across the district and is lower than pre-pandemic levels. The chart to the left shows how Maidstone’s violent crime has changed in 2023 compared to 2022. ‘Violence against the person’ (VAP) which accounts for 91% of the overall violent crimes.  As well as VAP decreasing, robbery and sexual offences have also decreased. Hospital Admissions (paragraph 103) for assault are also falling, with a 17% decrease in 2022/23 when compared to the previous period.

Further analysis of Domestic Abuse is provided in the next section.

Public Health approach has been highlighted the key to tackling violent crimes.

29

There is growing evidence to show that violence can be prevented. The World Health Organisation (2002) produced a report on Violence and Health which has subsequently seen a growing understanding of risk factors that contribute to violence and how things can be done on an individual, family, community and societal level to prevent it. A ‘Public Health approach’ is therefore used as it is imperative to look at inequalities when addressing violence.

The Kent and Medway VRU Strategic Needs Assessment provides further insight into violent crime within Kent.

30

The Tables below, produced by the Kent and Medway Violence Reduction “Strategic Needs Assessment” demonstrate by victim or suspect age cohorts and total, count, harm and per 1000 population levels ranking throughout the county for All Serious Violent Crime (ASVC (inclusive of MSVC) and Most Serious Violent Crime (MSVC) for the year 22/23 ending June.  “Most Serious Violence” is a subset of “All Serious Violence”. It represents the most severe forms of violent crime within the broader category. While the exact offences included in this category can vary, they typically involve significant harm to the victim and carry severe penalties, such as aggravated offences homicide or serious sexual offences.  All serious violence includes categories such as Possession of Weapons, Trafficking Drugs (Class A only) or Public Order offences. 

Most and All Serious Violence categories are ranked according to volume, harm and by population to provide a strategic insight to the violence in the county.   

31

32

Maidstone ranks high in Kent for the volume and harm caused by ASVC but is comparatively low when the population is taken into consideration. 

33

Maidstone exhibits a high volume of crime, particularly in the 25+ age group, which significantly influences the overall crime rate. However, when adjusting for population size, Maidstone’s crime rate ranks lower among Kent districts. Specifically, it ranks 10th for individuals under 18 (U18), 10th for individuals under 25 (U25), 6th for individuals aged 25 and above, and 9th overall. In this context, a rank of 1 represents the highest crime rate, and 13 represents the lowest. Therefore, while Maidstone’s absolute crime numbers are high, its per capita crime rate is comparatively lower.

Maidstone’s volume, harm, and per capita score for MSVC are lower per category.

34

In the “Most Serious Violence” category, Maidstone’s rankings per thousand population are lower compared to its volume of crimes. Specifically, it ranks 13th for under 18s (U18), 12th for under 25s (U25), and 9th for those aged 25 and above. Overall, Maidstone ranks 9th. Despite high crime volumes, especially in the 25+ category, these rankings indicate a lower per capita crime rate in Maidstone relative to other Kent districts.

Despite a lower per capita violent crime rate, Maidstone’s high crime volume, particularly in High Street Ward, necessitates ongoing vigilance and proactive policing efforts, particularly as this creates a perception of Maidstone being more dangerous than it is. 

35

Whilst the per capita data suggests Maidstone’s violent crime is low, the volume suggests a need for continued vigilance and proactive policing, particularly in high crime areas. Further information within the VRU Assessment indicates that LSOA E01033090, located within High Street Ward, Maidstone, is a key focus area for crime prevention. For 2022/23, up to June 2003, it ranks first in both count and harm for All Serious Violence (ASVC), with 267 incidents and a harm score of 50847, as per the Cambridge Crime Harm Index (CCHI). This area sees a high volume of crimes on streets and in clubs and public houses, with Violence Against the Person (VAP) being the most common offence type. The area has a notable presence of knife-related incidents and Most Serious Violence (MSVC) cases. The victim profile is diverse, with the majority being males and those aged twenty-five and above. The suspect profile mirrors this trend.

Although Maidstone has a lower violent crime rate per person, the high volume of crime, especially in the High Street Ward, calls for continuous alertness and proactive law enforcement. This is crucial as it counters the perception that Maidstone is more dangerous than it actually is.

36

This area incorporates the Town Centre, including areas such as High Street, Week Street, and Bank Street, which see a concentration of reported incidents. Despite the implementation of additional funding and interventions under Operation Grip and the Violence Reduction Unit (VRU), and the focus of Maidstone’s successful Safer Streets Bid, high crime rates persist. These initiatives are still in their preliminary stages, aiming to bring about long-term change in the Night-Time Economy (NTE), reshape narratives around certain locations, reduce Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) as a precursor to violence and change the culture in these areas. However, as with many public health approaches, the results may not be immediately evident in short-term data. This underscores the need for continued support, intervention, and a robust approach to crime prevention and community safety in this LSOA. Further detail on this approach is provided in the priority update on Providing a Safe Town Centre, below.

Outside of the Town Centre, Park Wood, the south of High Street Ward and Shepway are also identified as district priorities.

37

LSOAs E01024389 (Park Wood Ward), E01024372 (High Street Ward), and E01024392 (Shepway) are also identified as areas of concern due to high Violence Against the Person (VAP) rates. Incidents are more prevalent within dwellings in Park Wood and Shepway, and on the street in High Street South. The victim and suspect profiles are like the Town Centre. E01033088 (Heath) Ward ranked second for count (67) but is not considered a priority as fifty-six offences occurred at Priority House, Hermitage Lane, Maidstone.

The SOCP’s unique structure and collaborative approach enables it to effectively combat organised crime and extremism in Maidstone.

38

The Serious Organised Crime Panel (SOCP), plays a crucial role in combating in the fight against Organised Crime Groups (OCGs), repeat offending, and extremism. Its unique structure fosters a collaborative environment, promoting information sharing among various agencies, under the Kent and Medway information sharing agreement. The SOCP’s focus encompasses district threat, risk, and harm priorities, including any series, clusters, and trends. It also collaborates with Kent County Council (KCC) on Modern Day Slavery (MDS), Serious Organised Crime (SOC), and intelligence matters. The SOCP addresses a wide range of crimes, from firearms and drugs to cybercrime, fraud, and economic crime.

Advanced problem solving, through the NTF, builds on Maidstone’s previous “Task Force” successes and sets a precedent for the County.

39

Following the SOCP meeting, the Strategic Neighbourhood Policing meeting takes place, focusing on the work carried out by the newly formed Neighbourhood Task Force (NTF).  Although initially not resourced effectively, due to staffing shortages, the NTF, which relaunched in February 2024, builds on the template create in Maidstone for the Maidstone and Town Centre Task Forces.   Emphasis on maintaining effective partnerships, problem-solving related to locations, individuals, and families, and addressing beat cluster concerns and seasonal plans are all routinely developed. This comprehensive approach ensures a holistic approach to community safety, reinforcing the SOCP’s efforts at a neighbourhood level, which will contribute significantly to the safety and well-being of the community in the next year and beyond. 

County Lines and Cuckooing remain a complex OCG threat across Kent.

40

County Lines refers to a type of Organised Crime Group (OCG) known for drug trafficking. However, their criminal infrastructure extends to Modern Slavery, People Trafficking, Brothels, Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE), Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE), Serious Violence, Money Laundering, and illegal weapons supply. They often employ ‘cuckooing’, where criminals take over a person’s home for exploitation. Victims are typically vulnerable individuals, such as substance misusers, people with learning difficulties, mental health issues, physical disabilities, or those who are socially isolated. Cuckooed addresses are used for various criminal activities, including drug storage/distribution, people trafficking, modern slavery, illegal firearms supply/storage, sex work, or as ‘safe houses’ for criminals avoiding police detection.

A Multi-Agency approach remains necessary to disrupt County Lines and protect communities.

41

A small number of County Lines have operated across Kent, mainly effecting North and East Kent. Intelligence-driven operations disrupt these OCGs. Despite their small volume, the harm caused by an established County Line OCG can be significant. Tactical documents are shared across the Safer Maidstone Partnership (SMP) to share intelligence about local lines, especially, through the District Contextual Safeguarding Meeting (DCSM) to practitioners working with at-risk youth. Actions undertaken across the SMP to challenge the threat in Maidstone include targeted activity of known drug dealing nominals, large volume of drugs/cash/digital devices seizures, execution of secured warrants, dismantling of cannabis production, collaboration with HMP Maidstone, regular visits to Nail Bars, car washes, brothels for intelligence gathering and safeguarding cuckooed individuals, and supporting other agencies in their investigations.

The Counter Terrorism and Security Act 2015 mandates local authorities to prevent terrorism. Kent and Medway is a Prevent priority area.

42

Under the Counter Terrorism and Security Act 2015, local authorities are mandated to prevent individuals from being drawn into terrorism. Kent and Medway, designated as a Prevent priority, receive additional Home Office funding for local Prevent resources, including the Kent and Medway Prevent Team. This team delivers Prevent activities and supports local partners in understanding and responding to the risk of terrorism, extremism, and vulnerability to radicalisation. Since December 2022, when Kent and Medway ceased being a Dovetail site, case management has been handled by Counter Terrorism Policing Southeast (CTPSE). Kent and Medway operate a joint Channel panel, chaired by KCC. In February 2023, the government accepted all recommendations from the Independent Review of Prevent, with the Home Office leading the implementation of these changes, communicated to Prevent teams through monthly updates.

UK terror threat level remains substantial, indicating that an attack remains likely.  

43

The UK’s current national terror threat level is SUBSTANTIAL, indicating a likely attack. The petrol bomb attack on the Dover Immigration Centre in October 2022, the only terrorist attack in the UK that year, highlighted the importance of understanding Prevent and terrorist-related incidents, and the role of the internet in radicalisation.

The Israel-Hamas conflict creates risks in the UK due to the strong reactions it has elicited.

44

The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, which began on October 7, 2023, has elicited strong reactions in the UK. While the government supports the facilitation of lawful protest and freedom of speech, the Home Secretary has made it clear that any group or individual exploiting this tragic conflict to incite hatred or further extremist ideologies will face a robust response. Since the conflict began there has been a significant increase in both anti-Semitic and anti-Muslimism incidents at a national level. We must remain vigilant to the risk posed by chronic radicalisers across all ideologies, whose rhetoric may lead susceptible individuals to be radicalised towards violence. The Kent and Medway Prevent team is working closely with all partners to understand and mitigate the risk on the ground. They are proactive in reducing the influence and harm of chronic radicalisers by disrupting their activity where possible and share all relevant information with Home Office teams.

Race prejudice

dominates hate crime, with High St and Heath Wards dominating, but reported hate crime has not changed significantly.

45

The term 'hate crime' can be used to describe a range of criminal behaviour where the perpetrator is motivated by hostility or demonstrates hostility towards the victim's disability, race, religion, sexual orientation, or transgender identity. Over the last reporting period (Dec 22 to Nov 23) there have been 515 reported hate crimes this is compared to 510.  42% of the Hate Crimes reported are from High Street and Heath Wards. Race prejudice accounts for 68% of all hate crimes, followed by Sexual Orientation hate related crimes which accounts for 14% of all hate crimes. The table below shows a breakdown of the hate crimes.

The SMP Modern-Day Slavery sub-group continues to put in place additional safeguarding measures to protect victims and detect those exploiting them.

46

In September 2022, the SMP formed the Maidstone Anti-Slavery Partnership (Maidstone ASP).  The monthly working group meet to share and develop intelligence of cross-boundary MDS risks.  Although growing, the Maidstone ASP currently consists of representatives from:

In 2023, the Maidstone ASP joined the ERASP (Eastern Region Anti-Slavery Partnership), who are members of the WMASN (West Midlands Anti-Slavery Network), the leading Partnership for best practice and policy nationally, are also seeking to join the National Coordinators Network Forum, to increase learning and information sharing. Maidstone ASP Members also attended specialist inputs from the Local Government Association meetings.

The work of the Maidstone ASP is centred around 4 work streams, utilised across this sector:

Prevent- Intelligence sharing and early interventions are used to prevent MDS being established. Awareness raising activities have included supporting Anti-Slavery Day in October and networking with sector experts to improve local delivery. In addition, the ASP takes part in Operation Aidant, a national initiative lead by the GLAA which involves periods of intensification around awareness raising, intelligence gathering and enforcement. The dates and themes for 2024 are: -

   11^th March – 30^th March – Labour Exploitation in the Care Sector

   20^th May – 8^th June – Online Recruitment as an Enabler of MSHT

   9^th September – 28^th September – Property as an Enabler of MSHT

   11^th November – 30^th November – Sexual Exploitation, High Value Targets & Tiered Response

Pursue- Using intelligence developed across the partnership, days of action and targeted visits have been undertaken to disrupt MDS in locations across the borough.  This work includes visits to high-risk industries, such as farming, car washes and nail bars, where exploitation is common.  During 2024, this work is likely to involve more focus around the care sector and associated recruitment agencies and more HMO visits.

Protect- Raising awareness within vulnerable groups is a key element to disrupting MDS.  “Cost of Living” Events and recruitment events have been attended to raise awareness of the risks and temptations used by OCGs etc. to draw people in.  Proactive “Safe and Well” visits have also been carried out, and advice given to women located in suspected brothels. Nationalities identified as being at highest risk include Eastern European, Chinese. 

Prepare- A key part of raising awareness is about ensuring as many people as possible are aware of the risk MDS poses.  The Maidstone ASP has created an internal “MDS Champions Network” where we can ensure every contact with key departments is a potential opportunity to identify exploitation.  Training supplied for information/awareness and to allow the Champions to deliver awareness training to their respective teams/ departments. Training will be given to reflect updated policy/legislation/best practice that have and are due to occur in 2024.

Integrated Offender

Management allows the SMP to work collectively to reduce reoffending.

47

The IOM process is a multi-agency approach to manage individuals, both young and adult, who are at risk of causing the most harm to their communities. Threat, Risk and Harm is considered regarding Serious and Acquisitive Crime, Domestic Abuse (DA), Serious Violence, Gang activity, Organised Crime Groups (OCG), Troubled Families, Terrorism, Trafficking and Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). The IOM Cohort data was not available for inclusion with this report, but only provides a snapshoot, as numbers vary monthly.  The IOM Cohort for Maidstone are discussed at the Serious and Organised Crime Panel, where partners work to support IOM with intelligence and interventions of their own to reduce reoffending.

Ministry of Justice report reveals national reoffending rates still need local interventions to reduce them.

48

An MOJ report, published in January 2023, provides proven reoffending statistics for England and Wales between January and March 2021. The overall proven reoffending rate was 24.3%. Adult offenders had a rate of 24%, while juvenile offenders had a rate of 31.1%. Adults released from custody or starting court orders had a rate of 30.9%.

49

Domestic abuse crimes are those involving persons over the age of 16 who are personally connected and where the behaviour is abusive, such as any of the following:

Domestic Abuse is regarded as an under reported crime. National coverage around domestic abuse, supported by the introduction of new legislation has led to an increased level of awareness and the availability of services to support victims.

Domestic Abuse is everybody’s business and tackling DA is a CSP duty.

50

The Domestic Abuse Act became law in April 2021 and placed duties on local authorities to help tackle domestic abuse. The legislation is driving changes that will: 

-      promote awareness.

-      protect and support victims.

-      transform the justice response.

-      improve performance of Domestic Abuse Services

-      Recognise children as victims in their own right- not witnesses to abuse.

The SMP plays a role at both a local and a County Level to ensure consistency and has worked to improve internal processes in housing and HR to support DA Survivors.

51

Kent County Council and Maidstone Borough Council officers continue to play an active role on the Kent Domestic Abuse Partnership Board and the Maidstone Domestic Abuse Forum to help shape the Kent-wide Domestic Abuse Strategy and develop services for people experiencing domestic abuse. In addition, staff have been updated on changes made to the homelessness legislation brought about by the introduction of the Domestic Abuse Act, which is reflected in the Council’s Housing Strategy. An infographic has been created as part of the strategy for all housing for all staff to respond to DA survivors correctly.

Reported domestic

abuse levels drop

to pre-pandemic levels, despite increases in request for support services.

52

The data for 2023 shows a decrease of 10% of all crimes recorded as Domestic Abuse, with reported levels dropping to levels closer to those seen pre-pandemic. The needs assessment undertaken by Kent’s Integrated Domestic Abuse Service (KIDAS) supports a reduction in reports, including referrals to social services.  Increases to other services, such as housing, indicates that more work is needed to understand the anomaly. 

Currently, 18% of all crime in Maidstone Borough is related to Domestic Abuse (where parties are connected to each other) and this equates to 38% of all violent crime. 

Breaking down the Domestic Abuse Crimes sees Violence Against the Person (VAP) reducing by 14%, but still making up 78% of these crimes.

Coercion and control and stalking/ harassment reports have fallen disproportionately and also needs further assessment.    

53

Included in VAP, Stalking/Harassment (-13%) and Coercion and Control (-38%) also decreased.  Assessment will be needed, by the Domestic Abuse Forum, to determine why Coercion and Control has decreased disproportionately to other crimes, as this is a typically under reported crime type.  Reported Sexual Offences, which represent some of the most harmful crimes, increased in 2023 by 4%, but remain relatively low in number overall. 

Across the wards, Domestic Abuse crimes remain highest in High Street Ward, despite drop.    

54

Table six, appendix 2, provides a breakdown of domestic abuse crimes across the wards. The highest five wards, by volume, is indicated in dark red, with a lighter red show the top half.    The lowest five are represented by Dark Green, with a lighter green showing the bottom half. 14 of the 26 wards show a decrease, with South, Bridge and East showing significant drops.  .

Normalised data, based on populations, provides a better understanding

of those areas disproportionately

 impacted by

Domestic Abuse.

55

Normalising the data, table seven (appendix 2), with population data, provides an understanding of which areas are impacted by domestic abuse.  Using the 2021 ward population data, the table shows that across the borough, domestic abuse remains relatively low. Increases are indicated in more rural areas.  

Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conferences (MARACs) rise by nearly 30% as local agencies work to support victims. 

56

MARACs are meetings where information about high-risk domestic abuse victims (those at risk of murder or serious harm) is shared between local agencies. By bringing all agencies together at a MARAC, a risk-focused, co-ordinated safety plan can be drawn together to support the victim. MARACs now cover all victims aged 16 years and over.  Maidstone has had 298 MARAC cases in the current period, up from 232 in the previous period.  28 % (82) were repeat cases. 

The number of children considered in

MARACs rises considerably as families seek support.

57

There were 378 children living in these households, a 54% increase on the previous period. Under the Domestic Abuse Act all children in these circumstances are to be considered victims.  The voice of the child is considered in all MARAC meetings. 

Sanctuary referrals, from MARACs and Independent Domestic Violence Advisor’s Assessments have increase by 122%, as more support is offered to those want to stay at home after surviving abuse.

58

Sanctuary assessments, often generated as a result of a MARAC or Independent Domestic Violence Advisors referral, are where a victim of domestic abuse expresses a desire to stay in their family home but requires assistance to do so. For privately owned properties, the CPT attend the victim’s property and undertake an assessment which determines what works need to be undertaken to safeguard the victim against their abuser.  This can include a variety of property alterations, including changing locks and installing PIR lights, which are undertaken by the handy man service provided in partnership with Involve Kent.  Social properties undertake their own assessments when appropriate. 

MARAC Sanctuary referrals to MBC and Housing providers continue to increase (122%).  During 2023, £1,119.59 was spent to make properties secure.  This excludes properties owned by Social Landlords, who undertake work on behalf of their residents where appropriate.  

Partner agencies support available at One Stop Shop has increased from 1 to 5 attendees, following the introduction of a local steering committee.

59

In this period, partner agencies saw an increase in attendance from 1 to 5 attendees per week, thanks to a marketing launch and new design. The attendees include organisations such as Clarion Commissioned Service, MBC Housing Advice, KCC Early Help, SATEDA Support to Court, and Police VIT (Virtual). Procedures have been strengthened with the introduction of privacy screens, which received positive feedback from service users. A local steering committee has been established to improve processes, risk identification, and assess safeguarding concerns. This committee also feeds into the Kent & Medway steering group.

The Domestic Abuse Forum (MDAF) continues to raise awareness and support victims, delivering a range of activities that ensure services are promoted and provided for victims and to raise awareness. 

60

The Maidstone DA Forum (MDAF) work across the SMP and link in with the KIDAS to deliver several activities and services to support the victims of abuse and to raise awareness.  Here are some of the activities undertaken in 2023:

61

In June 2022, the Safer Maidstone Partnership launched the Town Centre Task Force (TCTF) to tackle growing concerns around the Town Centre.  Whilst the new Neighbourhood Policing Model introduces non-geographical Task Forces, the decision to ensure Beat Officers engage in the multi-agency Task Force as ensured continued success against the shared vision:

“To utilise a multi-agency ‘One Team’ evidence-based approach to tackle crime, health inequality and the wider determinants of crime/health. To ensure we implement long term permanent changes that improve the reputation of the Town and the quality of life for those who live, work, or visit the County Town and keep them safe from harm.”

The overarching purpose of the TCTF is to operate within the Town Centre, focusing on reducing crime, anti-social behaviour, and the underlying factors contributing to criminal activity. The TCTF aims to achieve this through the following strategies:

·         Protecting People from Harm and Cultivating a Positive Environment:

o    Enhancing the culture within the Daytime Economy (DTE) and Nighttime Economy (NTE).

o    Identifying and addressing crime hotspots and emerging trends.

·         Identifying Vulnerability and Providing Necessary Support:

o    Recognizing vulnerable individuals and offering protection and support where needed.

·         Building Resilience through Collaboration and Empowerment:

o    Engaging with stakeholders in the Town Centre to foster resilience.

o    Empowering participation and forming partnerships.

The TCTF continues to utilise a three-part delivery model to maintain a holistic approach to driving down crime and anti-social behaviour and improve public perceptions of safety. 

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The TCTF’s activities revolve around three priority workstreams:

·         Monitor and Maintain (formerly Implementation and Creation):

o    Analysing available data and developing workforce toolkits.

·         Pursuing, Changing, and Challenging Behaviour (PCCB):

o    Identifying threats and risks associated with criminality and ASB.

·         Engagement and Legacy:

o    Working to transform the town’s reputation positively.

The Task Force (TCTF) diligently monitors progress across its workstreams via two alternating fortnightly meetings:

·         Operational Delivery Group:

o    Focus on “Monitor and Maintain” and “Engagement and Legacy” workstreams.

·         Nominals and Locations Meeting:

o    This pursuit-based meeting focusing on individuals, businesses, and locations of concern.

Monitor and Maintain

The data for the

High Street Ward is

 starting to show the

 impact of the TCTF with sustainable decrease across many crime types

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Crime data for the High Street Ward, which constitutes 22% of all reported incidents in the borough, reveals encouraging trends following the implementation of the TCTF in June. A comparison of the same period (June to December) indicates notable declines across various categories. Overall, there has been a reduction of 16% in all reported crimes, with victim-based offenses seeing a decrease of 14%, crimes against society declining by 25%, and anti-social behaviour (ASB) incidents dropping by 30% from June to December 2021 to the same period in 2023.

Monitor and Maintain

Our multiagency approach, boosted by Safer Streets 4 and VRU funding, has provided an opportunity to put in place sustainable changes to the Town Centre.

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Owing to the volume of crime in High Street Ward, these reductions signify not only a significant volume of crime and ASB, but, as shown in the table below, the reduction rates, for the same period, are, in most cases significantly better than the borough.  The decreases in VBC included a significant increase in shoplifting, although it is worth noting that the 35% increase in High Street is less than the increase seen across the borough.  High Street also accounts for 9% of all Domestic Abuse, but still saw and 18% decrease. 

*June to November data used owing to issue with DA data for December 2021.

Monitor and Maintain

Safer Streets 4 and VRU funding provided a significant opportunity to put in place sustainable changes to the Town Centre.

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In 2022, the SMP, through the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, successfully secured £565,877. This funding was allocated to a broad spectrum of initiatives aimed at reducing Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) and Anti-Social Behaviour. Updates on these initiatives can be found in the engagement section below. The Safer Streets funding, in conjunction with the Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) funding, has led to direct interventions and the establishment of initiatives that have continued beyond the funding period, which ended in September 2023 for Safer Streets 4. Achieving sustainable change necessitates ongoing investment, and the exploration for additional funding opportunities is a continuous process.

PURSUE/CHANGING/

CHALLENGING BEHAVIOUR

(PCCB)- Analysis has found that a small number of individuals represent

a disproportionate amount

of the crime and ASB

in the town centre. 

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The TCTF has continued to evolve over the past year, focussing on the small number of individuals or the issues which contribute to disproportionate amounts of crime and ASB in the town. The multi-agency approach has been strengthened further, with broader investment from partners, including Southeast Rail, Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS), and probation services. This expanded collaboration has only served to strengthen the ongoing efforts to mitigate crime and ASB in the town.

PCCB

A holistic approach ensures that the most prevalent individuals are supported and a prevention approach reduces the need for enforcement or the criminal justice system.

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The TCTF then use their collective resources and powers to disrupt their behaviour 4P approach.  The 4 Ps are Prevent, Protect, Pursue, Protect ensures everyone is dealt with on a case-by-case basis.  The most appropriate combination of “Ps” is used to either disrupt their behaviour or make them accountable. In 2023, a further 12 individuals were disrupted by the TCTF nominals group and were archived owing to their behaviour no longer impacting on the Town Centre.  Additional persons and locations were discussed as the work remains fluid. 

PCCB

The TCTF also identifies and focusses their resources on certain locations and businesses

which had become synonymous or identified with Crime and ASB.

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Certain locations within the town are identified as higher risk for unwanted behaviour. Areas that are synonymous with concerns, and new locations, are routinely visited and discussed by the Task Force in order to reduce issues and address concerns as they arise.  These locations are subject of OSARA, problem solving plans, whereby the Task Force identify opportunities to reduce the risk of incidents.  This approach considers not only the offenders, but also the victims and the location as a whole and seeks to find the most effective combination of interventions to tackle the problem of concern. 

PCCB

Positive changes, including a new Community Hub,

 in Brenchley

 Gardens continue to improve the Parks reputation.

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One of the locations identified as an area of concern in 2022 was Brenchley Gardens. The removal of key influencers, those individauls around whom a disproportionate amount of unwanted behaviour stemmed, increased patrols from across agencies and a variety of community events have significantly reduce the incidents in the park and improved the park’s atmosphere. The transformation of the disused toilet block into an Community Safety hub has provided a strategic base for police officers, One Maidstone Ambassadors, and Community Protection Officers to improve operations across the North of the town. This hub has not only improved the aesthetics and visibility in the park area but also enhanced the guardianship over this part of the town centre.

PCCB

Where significant risks are

identified through intelligence, hostile operations have been undertaken to disrupt

criminal activity or to safeguard those at

 risk of exploitation.

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A key element of the TCTF sits within its intelligence sharing protocol.  The sharing of information across several operational agencies has been the driving forced to regular “hostile operations”. The operations can be in the form of days of action, test purchasing operations or the execution of warrants. The following are examples of the operations undertaken:

·         Drug busts and county line disruption

·         Trading Standards operations targeting illegal tobacco and underage vape sales

·         Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking operations, including sex workers. 

·         Community Protection action against buildings with poor waste management, security and pest control

·         Disruption of aggressive Chuggers and street traders.

·         Knife Crime awareness and stop searches

·         Enforcement and education of delivery drivers on North Week Street

·         Electric Scooters education and seizures

·         Increased NTE police presence

ENGAGEMENT AND LEGACY

The partnership has

continued to utilise Safer Streets funding to implement initiatives to prevent

Violence Against Women and Girls and reduce ASB.

71

The SMP were successful in obtaining funding from the Safer Streets 4 fund.  As a partnership we identified several initiatives that would reduce and prevent Violence Against Women and Girls and ASB.  Appendix 4 Provides an update on the delivery of work undertaken with the funding and how they have contributed to the reported reductions in crime and ASB.  These include:

·         Safer Spaces: The Brenchley Community Safety Hub, staffing for 326 Youth Hub and upgraded CCTV

·         Proactive guardians: Brenchley Summer Wardens, Active Bystander Training partners and security teams

·         Safer NTE: Best Bar None for safer socialising, anti-spiking and personal safety equipment for women, supported NTE volunteers with equipment and recruitment

·         Improved perceptions: Maidsafer media campaign, shopfront artwork and murals.

ENGAGEMENT AND LEGACY

Further funding has been secured to protect the 326 Youth Hub for another year.

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Although initially funded by the Kent and Medway VRU, the partnership has worked to ensure the 326 Youth Hubs future could be secured, despite uncertainty in relation to the introduction of Family Hubs and the closure of other Youth provisions across Kent.  Funding was secured from Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) / Section 106 monies to secure a further year of rent.  Discussions are ongoing with a local charity to help secure the units longer term future and even its expansion into a Town Centre based indoor wheeled sport facility for skating, skateboarding and other similar activities, alongside a café and other wellbeing facilities to support young people in the town. 

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Attendance and activities at the 326 Youth Hub since opening continue to support the need for a provision in the town. Since February 2023, the 326 has: 

·         Welcomed 1520 different young people, who visited over 3800 times.

·         Delivered 180 Sessions.

·         Forty percent of the young people attend more than once.

·         Fifty-five percent were young males.

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The behaviour of some young people puts individuals and communities at risk.    The SMP continues in its duty to safeguard our young people.  This includes those individuals that intend to cause them harm through the supply of drugs and sexual exploitation (CSE) or those whose acts of domestic, drug or alcohol abuse in the home.  Knife crime, serious youth violence and the impact of gang culture remain prevalent threats in young people’s lives.  The SMP, through the DCSM, continues to look for opportunities to provide safe spaces for young people, where meaningful relationships can be formed. 

Strategically, the SMP aligned this priority to the Local Children’s Partnership Group’s Action Plan 2024-2024, which is linked to the 0-25 Kent Health and Wellbeing Board Priorities.

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The Maidstone District Local Children’s Partnership Groups (LCPG) brings several partner organisations together with the aim of improving outcomes for children and young people in the Borough. Working collaboratively to understand and meet the needs of residents, the LCPG set out yearly district partnership priorities of:

SMP has continued to deliver towards the LCPG action plan through its working group and through the introduction of a specialist “child-focussed” policing team and our Task Forces.

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The action plan includes KCC specific deliverables around Early Years provisions, social services, and children/youth provisions.  However, that are actions delivered by the SMP in response or support of the agreed priorities, including: 

A specific area of child safety, Missing Children shows that Children who go missing are at a higher risk of harm and are often those identified as being linked to risk taking behaviour in hotspot locations.  

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Nationally, children represent approximately two thirds of the missing person incidents.  The reasons for running away are varied, complex and unique to individual children. The most frequent reason given is ‘problems at home’. Physical abuse from adults, mental health and substance misuse problems, and involvement in criminality are commonly associated with children running away. Missing children are at high risk of physical and sexual abuse, criminality, and homelessness. Persistent running away is increasingly understood to be an indicator that a child may be a victim of sexual exploitation. 

As with other areas of safeguarding, partnership working is recognised as being essential when looking after children who frequently go missing. 

78

The DCSM ensures local concerns and young people, who’s missing episodes are of greatest concern, are kept safe through effective partnership working.  From the information provided below, Maidstone borough saw an increase of 31% in comparison to the previous period, although levels remain lower than pre-pandemic.  Whilst increasing levels is a concern, the levels in Maidstone and West remain considerably lower than the levels seen in East Kent and North Kent, where missing children are considerably higher. 

Preventative work and co-ordinated responses to missing children has led to a reduction of missing episodes and how long young people are missing, but the risk of CSE whilst missing has increased..

79

There has been a slight decrease in risk taking behaviour in children between 11 and 14 in the borough and nationally, the age groups whose transition to secondary school was most impacted by the pandemic.  However, it is important that we continue to see them as children first, recognising that their behaviours or actions could be influenced by other people (such as adults who may be exploiting them) or by a past traumatic experience.

·         Possible CSE –CSE is a highly complex crime.  This figure is used to record both those at risk, not just those as confirmed as victims of this offence, so the increase here reflects risk as opposed to harm. 

·         Found Harmed – this can mean a multitude of things. A child can be harmed either from an assault, road traffic crash or even self-harm.  This remains relatively low. 

·         Repeat Rate – children have a significantly higher rate of repeat missing than adults, with children in care more likely to go missing more often.  Repeat rate has not increased significantly. 

Gangs remain a peripheral threat to Maidstone with active County Lines across Kent, but “gang culture” can be misleading to the public.  

80

Maidstone does not have an identified “gang/OCG”, although the risk of County Lines remains, with active lines working across the county. Attempts to establish line in Maidstone are quickly disrupted by specialist teams and intelligence led policing. Perceived “gang culture” does however continue to influence how our young people act, dress, and speak.  When referring to groups of young people we must ensure that we use the defined terms, as the follows:

•          Peer Group - A small, unorganised, transient grouping occupying the same space with a common history. Crime is not integral to their self-definition.

•          Street Group - A relatively durable, predominantly street-based group of young people who see themselves (and are seen by others) as a discernible group for whom crime and violence is integral to the group’s identity.

•          An Organised Criminal Network/Gang - A group of individuals for whom involvement in crime is for personal gain. The gain is mostly measured in financial terms. Crime is their ‘occupation’.

The DCSM often works to disrupt “Peer Groups” who’s behaviour is considered unacceptable or posing a risk.  Where a Peer Group starts to demonstrate a hierarchy and begins to engage in criminality and violence, the then “Street Group” are then mapped, and a holistic plan drawn up to disrupt their behaviour. 

Youth Justice and the Youth Offending Team continue to support young people who commit criminal offences Numbers remain relatively low, but have increased in both offences committed and the number of children committing crimes.

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Looking at the latest period, April 2022 to March 2023, youth offences have increased from 146 to 202, an increase of 56 (38%).

There has been an increase in the number of individuals committing crime, from 83 to 109 an increase of 26(31%). The breakdown of these offenders’ age groups is shown in the table on the left. 

Around 0.7% of the youth population have been convicted of an offence. The table below shows that the total number of youth offences has continued to decrease in the last six years.

Priority status: On track

82

The SMP remains well placed to continue to deliver work which will prevent and reduce serious violent and organised crime as this area continues to pose a significant risk. The operational frameworks in Maidstone, that promote collaborative working and early intervention are aligned with both County and National models of best practice.  

Priority status: On track

83

Domestic Abuse remains a national priority.   Locally, Domestic Abuse makes up nearly a fifth of all crime and over 80% of all crimes involving violence against a person.  The MDAF is well placed to continue to support the SMP’s Domestic Abuse duty, continuing to support victims and raise awareness through a growing array of new and improving services.  Reductions in reported crimes, particularly disproportionate reductions in reports of coercion and control requires further investigation to understand the cause, as this remains an under reported crime.   

Priority status: Exceeding expectations

84

The TCTF has built on their 2022 achievements, enhancing the collaboration with the wider SMP for a more comprehensive public health response to challenges. This has led to further reductions in crime and ASB. The delivery of Safer Streets 4 (SS4) accelerated the delivery of services that might have taken years to fund or may not been delivered at all, enhancing our effectiveness and community impact. Collaboration remains key to these advancements. 

Priority status: On track

85

Alignment to the LCPGs action plan has ensured that, alongside other children services’ priorities, adverse childhood experiences, their impact on decision making and risk taking, continues to be considered when protecting young people across the priorities.  It also ensures that services are designed that create spaces where young people feel safe, have a sense of belonging and know that they matter.  There are many societal factors that are beyond the control of the partnership, but DCSM continues to work to protect young people in locations where their behaviour, or the behaviour of others, puts them or others at risk.   The new Family Hub model will require close monitoring to ensure young people are not impacted by changes.

86

As detailed the Cluster Data Analysis and trends, ASB has reduced by 31% across the whole borough.  

ASB is falling to pre-pandemic levels.  Dog incidents are increasing, but still relatively low in comparison to other issues.

87

The table eight in appendix 2 provides a breakdown of ASB reported by Kent police by Ward.  Map 3 (appendix 3), shows the distribution of ASB in 2022, in comparison with 2021. The Council’s CPT has the also recorded a reduction in service requests for both ASB (-27%) and Nuisance (-15%), whereas incidents involving dangerous, or nuisance dogs has increase (+25), although the numbers remain relatively low.  The service request activity breakdown is provided in Appendix 4

Effective use of Community Protection Powers continues across the SMP with more partners authorised to use them through SLAs. 

88

Community Protection Notice (CPNs) remains one of the most effective tools in the Community Safety tool kit. It is a legislative requirement to issue a written warning prior to issuing a CPN.  These are referred to within the SMP as CPWs.  CPWs continue to be the most effective aspect of this power, as compliance with warnings remains high. Service level agreements are now in place with Housing Providers and the Town Centre Ambassadors to allow them to use CPWs as part of their role, to complement the Police and Council use of this effective tool. 

Use of CPWs to challenge ASB has increased, with Kent Police and partners increasing their use significantly      

89

Reductions in ASB across the borough and the effectiveness of the CPWs previously issued on those individuals responsible for the majority of the ASB, such as those in the Town Centre, has seen a net reduction in the number of CPWs issued, particularly for ASB and noise.  It should also be noted that, as part of the neighbourhood policing review, the Warnings issued by Kent Police are now recorded centrally and at the time of producing this report, there have been some issues in obtaining that information. It is likely that the figure below will increase once the information is obtained.   

Use of CPNs has increased relative to CPWs, but still shows CPWs are largely effective in dealing with unwanted behaviour        

90

Where the unwanted behaviour persists after a CPW is issued, it can be necessary to issue a CPN, which can put in place requirements.  The use of CPNs, with the threat of prosecution or fixed penalty notice, is used as part of an escalating approach.  As detailed in paragraph 89, there are a number of factors leading to a reduction, including under reporting due to issues obtaining the data. 

The SMP’s collaborative approach utilises a range of  ASB Powers and other powers to challenge unwanted behaviour, including the use of seizures, Public Space Protection Orders and housing powers.  .

91

In addition to the above, the SMP continues to utilise a range of other powers and techniques to reduce ASB.  This includes utilising dispersal orders in locations where it is needed to give relief to a specific community or area.  Seizures have been undertaken in relation to catapults and other weapons, off-road bikes, e-scooters, vapes, and alcohol where they have been found and linked to anti-social behaviour.  In more serious cases, the SMP have worked to build the evidence required to secure Criminal Behaviour Orders against persistent offenders and, with housing providers, supported or utilised the threat of eviction, specifically to control the behaviour of residents both in their homes and in the local communities.  Work is currently being developed to look at closure orders in relation to stores suspected as supplying illicit tobacco and the selling of either illegal vapes or selling any vape to a young person.  The Community Protection Team, in 2024, will also introduce a new App, which allows victims of noise and ASB to report their concerns more efficiently. 

Maidstone experienced no unauthorised encampments as effectiveness of ASB led approach continues to protect our public spaces.

93

In 2019 the CPT introduced the use of ASB powers to challenge the behaviour of those individuals or groups who created unauthorised encampments in the borough.  This included several encampments who returned to specific locations annually.  In 2023 there were no encampments on Public Land.  Advise was provided to remove encampments on private land. 

Community Triggers were rebranded in 2023 as ASB Case reviews, prompting an increase in applications, although only one case met the threshold. 

93

The 'Community Trigger', a mechanism that gives victims of persistent anti-social behaviour the ability to demand a formal case review when a locally defined threshold is met, was rebranded as ASB Case Reviews as part of the Government’s ASB Action Plan. The rebranding of the 'Community Trigger' to ASB Case Reviews was promoted locally as part of ASB Awareness Week in July 2023. The aim of the National Week of action was to raise awareness about the rights of victims of anti-social behaviour and the actions that can be taken by those experiencing it and to highlight the efforts of the SMP to reduce it. The week was filled with activities and events including activities in the Town Centre and rural areas, as well as social media posts, celebrating the work of our “ASB Champions,” the charities and partners who all play their role in tackling ASB in Maidstone. In 2022, no Community Triggers were requested. However, in 2023, we received seven applications for ASB Case Reviews, of which only one met the threshold to trigger a review. Most of the applications were made from customers who were not happy with the outcome of the investigations and were using the ASB Case Review to supplement their service complaints. Many of these indicated that agencies involved had investigated and taken the relevant steps but could not meet the customers unreasonable expectations.

Growing Customer expectations have led to increases in service complaints, but investigations find that their expectations often cannot be met due to a lack of evidence or unrealistic expectations.

94

There have been notable increases in service complaints against officers in the Community Protection Team, increasing by 133% since 2020. Most concerns raised are due to people having an unreasonable expectation of service or dissatisfaction with the action taken, including warning letters. These are thoroughly investigated and are rarely found to have been handled poorly by the officers. In addition to this, a complaint to the Local Government Ombudsman (LGO) was also not upheld as it was found the Community Protection Team had investigated the matter thoroughly and could not meet the complainant's unreasonable expectations. Complaints have been noted as increasing across a number of services and partner agencies, including Kent Police and Elected members/MPs. This should be noted as a necessary but draining impact on resourcing levels across the Community Safety Partnership (CSP).

95

Perception and fear of crime plays a role in how people feel about crime.

Considerable investment has been made by partners across the SMP to utilise their media channels to raise awareness and celebrate successes.    

96

The surveys undertaken in 2021 and conversations with ward members have highlighted that there is a perception that crime and ASB is increasing in the borough.  Whilst that is true, the extent to which it is increasing is disproportionate to the actual crime figures.  Within this report we can demonstrate the extent to which the partnership is working to reduce crime and ASB and safeguard the vulnerable and young people. A specific communications plan is in place to install a sense of safety, remove the fear and negative perception, and encourage behaviour change of people who install fear and are responsible for antisocial behaviour.  The plan includes the use of several press releases, social media posts, newsletter content to promote the work of the SMP and to promote the Town Centre in a positive way.  As an example, there has been 126 My Community Voice posts from Kent Police delivered to residents and interested parties for the Town Centre.  The MaidSafer brand, on posters around the town provides a visual reminder of the work being undertaken to keep Maidstone safe. Paragraph 100 provides a sample of some of the media released throughout the year to raise awareness.

Examples of media and shared throughout 2023

97

98

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. 

Trauma informed practice remains a fundamental element of the SMPs work

99

Trauma informed practice is imbedded within the work of all the priority delivery groups as a foundation to the work undertaken. There are several examples within this report of the work undertaken in this period where a public health approach is taken.  Here are some examples for each group:

100

Substance misuse relates to the use of drugs, alcohol and includes New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) previously known as legal highs

101

The data regarding Hospital Admissions, which covers the fiscal year, show that Alcohol and Substance Abuse admissions have decreased, but the volume of alcohol admissions remaining significantly higher than any other admission types.  Admissions for self-harm also remain significantly higher than admissions for Substance Misuse and Assault.

Hospital admissions over a longer period show that levels are remaining stable in Maidstone, with admissions for assault beginning to show a negative trend.

Graphs showing the breakdown of hospital admissions by type for Maidstone and by age for across Kent.

102

The number of emergency admissions for alcohol have reduced between 2021/22 and 2022/23, while substance misuse and assaults and self-harm have been similar or shown a slight reduction. Admissions for alcohol and substance misuse were at similar levels to records from 2018/19.

Admissions by age follow the general pattern for Kent, however alcohol admissions were higher in 30–44-year-olds compared to most other districts, and age 65+ lower. Age 30-44 was the largest age group for substance misuse. 

Alcohol admissions and substance misuse admissions were highest in residents of Maidstone Central and West, Ringlestone, Parkwood and Shepway. 

Admissions by age band in Kent. Source: Hospital Episode Statistics, NHS Digital

Kent Police recorded a 6% rise in drug related offences

103

Kent police’s recorded drug offences include both offences of drug supply and possession. Under this category of crime Maidstone has seen a (6%) increase in drug offences in 2023 compared to 2022 with 461 (+26). Overall, Kent saw an increase of (18.6%) of drug offences for the rolling year January 2023 to December 2023 with 821 crimes more than last year. This data includes the proactive work of Maidstone police engaging in warrants and stop and search.

Needle finds in the borough rise but remain significantly lower than previous years.

104

The following table shows the needle finds in the borough. The figure combines the needles removed by the council’s waste team and the contents of external needle bins, strategically placed in the town to try to reduce discarded needles. 713 Needles were found/retrieved in the year 2023, which is a 51% increase.

Riverside locations continue give rise to concern as hot spots for needle finds, despite increased monitoring

105

The sustained reduction in needles has been linked largely to the work of the Outreach team within the Council’s Housing Team, who this year have continued to work closely with the TCTF.  The following shows that some areas like the Rose Garden, has seen significant decreases.  The Rose Garden is close to the Amphitheatre and River Steps, which is an area where some displacement has been seen from the Town Centre.  These areas are routinely monitored by the TCTF, and the finds are felt to be linked to a small cohort of users.      

Top 5 locations

106

Mental health/wellbeing can play a significant role in how people behave, but it also influences how they access services and vulnerability to others who might choose to exploit them. 

Mental Health/wellbeing remains an integral to all aspects of the CSP Plan

107

Mental Health is intrinsically linked to all aspects of this plan, including the four priority workstreams. Whether it is the control and coercion used by a domestic abuse perpetrator or adverse childhood experiences stunting development in our young people, mental health remains at the heart of the SMP’s work to reduce crime and ASB

The Community Safety and Vulnerability Group (CSVG) continues to work in partnership to safeguard our 41 of our most vulnerable residents

108

The weekly CSVG is a partnership meeting that considers the welfare most vulnerable in our district, with mental health a common concern for those residents referred to the group for discussion. Representatives from up to ten partnership agencies and service providers discuss the needs of individuals of concern, sharing intelligence and targeting their resources to safeguard them against themselves and those who might seek to exploit them. In 2023 the CSVG received 41 referrals for individuals to be discussed by the partnership.   Most referrals identified concerns with mental health, although many of them had no mental health support or had refused to engage with services.

Work around the point of crisis remains key to minimise risk

109

When someone is in crisis in a public space and posing a risk to themselves or others, the police have the power under Section 136 of the Mental Health Act to remove a person to a place of safety. The power cannot be used to remove people from their own home, or someone else’s home. The use of section 136 in Maidstone in 2022/23 fell by 28% to 47.   Hospital admissions, as shown in paragraph 104, also showed that self-harm was the second highest reason for admission, with 31% of Hospital Admissions in the borough. This is particularly prevalent in those age 15 to 29.  Maidstone has also experienced suicides in public places, some of which involved young people.  Support networks and working groups are in place.

Referrals into support services have risen in older people, but remain higher in younger adults. 

110

Where a concern is identified, practitioners can make a mental health referral into support services. In 2022/23, younger adult (18-64) services (including acute/community recovery services) 1344 case referrals were made, compared to 1432 the previous year, and decrease of 6%. In older adults (65+) there was an increase of 14% to 1210 cases compared to 1065 the previous year.

111

Reducing reoffending is a statutory requirement for all Community Safety Partnerships.  People offend for a variety of reasons. Some offenders have troubled lives with complex needs, and, in many cases, this contributes to their continuing offending behaviour. Some of these factors include health related issues (including mental health), accommodation, drugs and alcohol and attitudes (thinking/behaviour). 

The SMP continue to work in line with the HMPPS Reducing Reoffending Plan 2021-2024, utilising partnership working as a key element of reducing reoffending

112

The HMPPS Reducing Reoffending Plan 2021-2024 acknowledges the importance of partnership working to provide services and interventions at the critical time when repeat offenders want to change their offending lifestyle.  The Plan articulates this will be achieved at a local level through the Community Safety Partnerships, Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference [MARAC], local MAPPA boards, Child and Adult Safeguarding Partnerships and Reducing Reoffending groups. The current IOM cohort and prison releases for Maidstone are discussed at SOCP

Table One- Actual Crimes Reported                                                                                        

Table Two- Normalised Reported Crimes based on population (per 1000 people)

Table Three

Table Four

Table 5