News
Cracking down on knife crime
POLICE blitzed Maidstone in a na- tionwide campaign on knife crime. Atotal of 49 peoplewere arrested
across the county by Kent Police during aweek of action. High-visibility patrols were com-
pleted in town centres and suspects were stopped and searched. In Maidstone, therewere three ar-
rests for possession of a “bladed ar- ticle” and two for an offensive weapon. In total, six knives were seized.
Arrests were also made for of-
fences including possession of class A drugs with intent to supply, as- sault and public order. Elsewhere in Kent, metal-detect-
ing knife arches were placed at the entrances to Margate, Ramsgate and Gravesend train stations, where of- ficers worked with rail enforcement officers to deter offenderswhoenter the county carrying weapons. Checkswere also made on coaches. Officers placed knife arches at the entrances to schools and discussed the dangers of carrying knives with pupils.
Supermarkets and other retailers received a visit from officers, and
staff members were reminded of their responsibilities regarding the sale of knives. Superintendent Tim Cook said:
“Knife crime across the county re- mains low compared to other areas, but we are not complacent. It re- mains a priority to tackle those who think it is acceptable to carry knives on our streets. “Anumberwere found in posses-
sion ofweapons in connection with other criminality, such as the supply of drugs, andwere arrested. “Our message remains very sim-
ple. If you choose to carry a knife in Kent, even if you feel it’s for your ownprotection, you are likely to get arrested, prosecuted and will re- ceive a tough punishment. Posses- sion of a knife can carry a prison sentence of up to four years, even if it's not used. “We continue to seek help from
the public and ask that they report anybody who they see carrying a knife or otherweapon.” Call 101 to report anything suspi-
cious, or 999 if it’s an emergency. Al- ternatively call Kent Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
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14 Maidstone June 2017
Howa piece of kit saves lives
KIT that can save lives was demonstrated to members of the Maidstone Riverside Rotary Club. A ShelterBox tent was put up during its meeting at Oakwood House
Hotel on Tuesday (May 9) to show how it can help families devastated by national disasters throughout the world. ShelterBoxes contain family-sized tents specially designed to
withstand the elements and provide people with temporary shelter until they are able to start rebuilding their home. They contain tools to start repairing and rebuilding homes straight
away and transform the shelter into a home with cooking sets, solar lights and activity sets for children. The Rotary Club had an invited audience of potential new members
and representatives of local charities (including Crossroads Carers, Age UK and Urban Blue Bus). The club hopes to run another similar event soon. To find out more about Rotary and the local branch, contact Colin Norgate 07817890274 or
colinnorgate@btinternet.com
downsmail.co.uk
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