News | Police awards


Police officers honoured for rescuing crash victim


TWOMaidstone police officerswho rescued awoman froma crashed car inMaidstone have been honoured.


Sgt Michael Newman and Tem-


porary Sgt ChristopherWard were first on the scene at an incident in the early hours ofDecember 2, 2017, where they found a woman in her 20s unconscious and trapped in a Peugeot on the A249 Sittingbourne Road. Despite the risk to their own


safety, theymanaged to hold the ve- hicle up and pull the woman clear, and although shewas taken to hos- pital with life-threatening injuries, she has gone on to make a full re- covery. They were among 17 Kent Police


officers to receive awards at a Divi- sional Commander’s Awards cere- mony in Tonbridge onMay 16,with the pair being recognised for their “outstanding dedication and com- mitment to Kent Police”. Also receiving an award was DC


Rebecca Taft, who dealt with the harrowing case of a young child in Maidstonewho had been neglected and abused by his parents, DC Taft helping to ensure therewas enough evidence to prosecute Jodie Simp- son and Tony Smith,whowere both sentenced to 10 years in prison. Divisional Commander, Chief


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Major award for detective


THE detectivewho helped track a group responsible for trafficking and prostitution of women in Maidstone has received a top po- lice award. DC Dave Godden was one of


more than 30 officers from Kent and Essex serious crime squad to be honoured. He was involved in solving a


case of organised crime involving people trafficking and prostitu- tion in the town and in nearby Chatham. Two men were jailed for a total


of eight years, with the sentenc- ing judge commending Godden for his “diligence, efficiency and high standard of performance in his role as investigating officer”. The awards ceremony was held


at North Kent Police Station in Northfleet on May 24 and was hosted by Assistant Chief Con- stable Nick Downing and at- tended by Kent Chief Constable Alan Pughsley. ACC Downing said: “It takes a


SgtMichael Newman, Sgt ChristopherWard and DC Rebecca Taft


Supt JuliaChapman said: “Kent Po- lice officers are called to difficult and potentially dangerous situa- tions every day. They regularly put themselves in harm’sway to protect members of the public, which is why it is right they receive the recognition they deserve. “I am incredibly proud to lead


such a dedicated team. Peoplemay say they are just doing their jobs and that iswhat they are paid to do, but like anyone else police officers still have to dealwith the day to day pressures of normal life, balancing spending time with their families with protecting vulnerable people in the community.”


special kind of person to be able to investigate serious crimes, which are often complex in na- ture and highly emotive for those affected. “Fortunately, we have such tal-


ented people to call on and I am constantly impressed by their work ethic, professionalism and dedication to secure positive out- comes for the communities they serve.”


Warning of rogue traders


Thieves steal MorrisMinor


THIEVES have stolen a vintage MorrisMinor van in Staplehurst. Kent Police said the distinctive


green car, with a registration start- ing GLK8 had been left near Sta- plehurst railway station and is reported to have been stolen on May 16. Police are appealing to anyone


who may have seen the vehicle to come forward. Anyone with infor- mation is asked to call the appeal line on 01622 604100, quoting ref- erence 17-0207, email west.divi- sion.media.appeals@kent.pnn.polic e.uk or call Kent Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.


32 Maidstone July 2018


KENT Police have issued awarn- ing to residents after three re- ports of rogue traders in the same day in the Maidstone and Malling area. All three incidents occurred on


Wednesday,May 23, and one res- ident – a man in his 80s – paid a quantity of cash to twomen who called at his front door. DSI JonArmory, fromKent Po-


lice, said: “Residents should be alert if a tradesperson visitswith- out an appointment and suggests that work needs to be completed on their house. “In some cases, occupants are


overcharged for minor repairs and then intimidated when they question the cost. “Anybody who is pestered by


unwanted cold callers should ad- vise them that contact will be made with Trading Standards and, if necessary, the police.”


The first incident happened at


about midday in Sheal’s Cres- cent, Maidstone, when two men visited theman in his 80s and of- fered to fix the roof. After he paid them the cash,


they left in a white Transit van saying they were going to get some tools, but they failed to re- turn and complete the work. One of the men is described as


being white, between 25 and 30, 5ft 10in tall, of stocky build and with fair hair and wearing an or- ange T-shirt. The other was aged about 50,


5ft 6in, of slight build, with tanned skin and was wearing a navy blue top. About three and a half hours


later, a woman living in Milton Lane, West Malling, was ap- proached by a man who said he had been called by the landlord to fix a leak. The homeowner


watched him check a bathroom before leaving, but it later tran- spired that the landlord had not arranged the visit. This man was described as


being in his 60s and 6ft tall and was driving a light blue van. The third incident occurred at


3.45pm in Hurricane Road, West Malling, where two men ap- proached a pensioner and of- fered to cut some trees. The fee quoted increased significantly and then the men offered to fix some guttering. The resident de- clined and no money was paid. These men are described as


white and of stocky build. Anyone with information on


the incidents described above is asked to call Kent Police on 01622 604100 quoting 23-242 Alternatively they can contact


the Kent Crimestoppers charity, anonymously, on 0800 555111.


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