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Police pleased by cut in crime rate


CRIME in the Maidstone area fell by nearly 7% during the past year – though there was a rise in burglary, theft and drug offences. The total number of recorded


crimes, during the 12 months to this summer, was 19,093 compared to 20,504 the previous year, a drop of 6.9%. “That means 1,411


fewer victims of crime," said area commander Chief Supt Matthew Nix (pictured). "This equates to almost 30 fewer crimes each week, a reduction we are very proud of.” Criminal damage cases fell by


819 (17.9%), down from 4,578 to 3,759. Robbery fell by 12.3% with 17 fewer offences, down from 138 to 121. Total violent crime was also


down by 10.7%, falling from 4,187 offences across the Mid Kent area to 3,738 the previous year. But there was an increase (23.2%) in burglary to homes, up by 177 offences from 763 to 940.


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Why Charlie is top dog in


The number of most serious sexual offences increased by 18 (up 11.7%), from 154 crimes to 172. And though theft from the person offences and theft of pedal cycles decreased, total other theft cases rose by 4.3% (208 offences) from 4,814 to 5,022. Drug of- fences were also up, by 11.4%, from 731 to 814. But knife crime fell.


Mid Kent recorded 53 crimes involving a knife or sharp instrument in


July 2009 to June 2010 com- pared to 66 in the previous 12 months. Vehicle crime fell by 502 of- fences from 2,623 to 2,121, down 19.1%. Ch Supt Nix said: “We are


pleased with these figures al- though there is no room for complacency. The good work doesn’t stop here and we will continue to do our utmost to re- duce crime in Mid Kent.” Ch Supt Nix said the rise in


theft offences across Kent had coincided with an increase in metal prices.


the Commons MAIDSTONE MP Helen Grant has something special to bark about – she's the proud owner ofWestminster's top dog. Charlie, her five-year-old bor-


der terrier, was rewarded for his "paw-litical" prowess by win- ning the annual competition run by the Dogs Trust and the Kennel Club. Helen, who lives in Marden,


said: "Charlie is an avid cam- paigner. He protested alongside me against proposals to close Maidstone's maternity services and loyally joined my prede- cessor Ann Widdecombe and me on the campaign trail in all weathers."


A SMALL first floor side exten- sion in Yarrow Court, Weaver- ing, was given planning permission despite questions over its design. Thurnham Parish Council’s


objection was echoed by some members of the planning com- mittee. Cllr Ian Chittenden said: “It seems an odd design with the slopes and roof all wrong. The applicant needs to go back to the drawing board and think again.” But development control


manager Rob Jarman said: “No local authority in England has got an extension guideline say- ing every time you build an ex- tension it has to be exactly the same as what you have at pres-


Visit Downs Mail’s website — downsmail.co.uk


She added: "I'm so proud of Charlie for winning - he cele- brated with a juicy bone."


‘Odd’ extension gets approval


ent, which is what appears to be being said tonight. At appeal we couldn’t argue that it’s dif- ferent so is unacceptable. We’d have to say it dominates the area in some way which, given the small scale of this proposal, would be difficult.” The proposal was passed with


12 councillors in support and only one abstaining.


Christmas fair SANDLING School, in Ash- burnham Road, Penenden Heath, holds its Christmas fair on Saturday, November 27 from 1-3 pm. Attractions include a selection of Christmas stalls, re- freshments and a visit from Santa and his elves.


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