News
downsmail.co.uk Town tops Kent drugs table
MAIDSTONE is the number one town in Kent for drug arrests, ac- cording to newly published fig- ures. The Kenward Trust charity –
which helps peoplewith drugs and alcohol issues – has revealedthat be- tween 2013 and 2016, 517 people across Kentwere detained. Of those, 143 were in the county
town, the Freedom of Information Act request showed. Margate had 112, Chatham
ranked third in the tablewith 93 ar- rests andGillinghamfourthwith 88
detentions. InCanterbury, 81 people were detained. Chief inspector for partnership
and communities at Kent Police, Tim Cook, said: “Officers do inter- venewhen someone is suspected of possessingdrugs andwill look to re- solve the situation using the most appropriate outcome.” Kenward Trust spokesman John
Shanley said: “A lot of this iswhere there are high volumes of footfall, like inMaidstone. “There’s also a nightlife culture in the High Street, which can see peo-
ple focus around drink and drugs. Drugs like ketamine are quite popu- lar with young people at the mo- ment, as well as stimulant drugs, because they generate more en- ergy.” Aspokesman forKent Police said
that active enforcement means that “themore you go looking, themore you'll find.” Chief Insp Cook said: “Although
the FOI figures only show arrests, for someminor possession offences, a street caution or diversionary op- tion such as a drug intervention pro-
gramme or referral to drug treat- ment agencies, is bothmore propor- tionate andmore effective at dealing with the overall issue and people’s addiction problems. “It also means police custody
areas are kept free so they can be used to detain suspects who pose a greater threat of risk and harm to the community. “Recent stop and search reforms
have led to a reduction nationally in the number of people stopped, searched and arrested for a variety of offences.”
Lions’ hi-vis gift will help keep pupils safe
MAIDSTONE Lions Club had great pleasure present- ingAllington Primary Schoolwith hi-visibility jackets so that classes can be seen and stay safe when out and about. LionsDerekRansley (left) andMalcolmLuxton pre-
sented the gift to head teacherMrsCarolynHowson. The tunicswill be used for outside school trips and
got their first use last month when youngsters at- tended a carol service at StNicholasChurch inAlling- ton. Lions president Derek Ransley said: “It was won-
derful to be doing something to keep Maidstone’s youngsters safe.”
learning disability | autism | mental health Blues Brothers night
Saturday 3 March 7.30pm - 11.30pm
Ditton Community Centre
Adults £12 | Children (5-16) £8 Children under 5 go free
www.mymcch.org.uk Registered charity no. 1156486
30 Malling January 2018
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