Police pleased by cut in crime rate
CRIME in theMaidstone area fell by nearly 7% during the past year - though there was a rise in burglary, theft and drug of- fences. 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 al-
ONLY a “golden goal” scored in extra time of the final stopped these girls from Loose Junior School from winning a hockey tournament at Sutton Valence Prep School. Loose was the only state school to take part against 13 private schools. Their first game was hard
work against Kings, Canterbury, and only strong defending and some good saves by keeper Neave Farrant kept the score to 0-0. They won the next game, thanks to an Ellie James goal. Two more wins and a draw
meant that they only needed to draw their last game to reach the semi-final. Another Ellie James goal saw them win 1-0 and go into the semis. Here, they played Derwent Lodge, from Tonbridge. A goal from Gracey-Mei Wilsher and Ellie James’ fifth goal of the af-
most 30 fewer crimes each week, a reduc- tion 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 crimewas also down
by 10.7%, falling from 4,187 of- fences across the Mid Kent area to 3,738 the previous year.
But there was an increase (23.2%) in bur- glary to homes, up by 177 offences from 763
to 940. The number of most serious sexual of-
fences increased by 18 (up 11.7%), from 154 crimes to 172. And though theft from the person offences and theft of pedal cycles de- creased, total other theft cases rose by 4.3% (208 offences) from 4,814 to 5,022. Drug offences were also up, by 11.4%,
Loose girls lose out to ‘golden goal’ for trophy
ternoon made them 2-0 win- ners, and put them into the final. This was against Kent Col-
lege, who had won the tourna- ment for the previous two years. Despite being under tremen-
dous pressure, Loose held out, and it was 0-0 at the end of full time. Unfortunately for Loose,
Kent College scored the decid- ing “golden goal”, leaving Loose as runners-up. The Loose squad, pictured
from 731 to 814. But knife crime fell.Mid Kent recorded 53 crimes involving a knife or sharp instru- ment in July 2009 to June 2010 compared 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." He added: “Violent crime, robbery, criminal damage and vehicle crime have all fallen, which is testament to the hard work and dedication shown by officers across the area. The good work doesn’t stop here and we will continue to do our utmost to reduce crime in Mid Kent.” Ch Supt Nix said the rise in
theft offences across Kent had coincided with an increase in metal prices.
here, was: Ellie James, Gracey- Mei Wilsher, Sophie Doherty, Phoebe Turner, Louise Jones, Maddie Brant, Neave Farrant, Helen Ridgway and Amelia Smith.
Flats demolition A PLAN has been submitted to demolish four self-contained flats, replacing themwith seven one-bedroom flats at 56-58 Box- ley Road, Maidstone.
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