Anti-social behaviour pilot launched by police

A pilot scheme aimed at preventing anti-social behaviour has been launched by police in Sandwich ahead of a possible roll-out across East Kent.

The scheme, called Love Your Community, was the idea of PC Joel Ruddock who works within the child centred policing team in the Dover District Community Safety Unit.

The five-day project will see four schools take part in events such as litter picking, helping at a foodbank, organising community sports events and inviting police into the school assembly.

PC Ruddock said the initiative was designed to "educate" young people on anti-social behaviour.

Sandwich Infant and Sandwich Junior schools are taking part alongside Sir Roger Manwood's School and Sandwich Technology School.

The initiative has been supported by Dover District Commander Liz Cokayne- Delves, who said: "It's really important to get that engagement between schools and the community because there is a lot of confusion about the trouble children cause."

PC Ruddock said it would "hopefully reduce crime figures and bring the community together to build better relationships".

He added: "I think sometimes there's a negative perception of some young people and they are not always to blame."

In recent weeks the issue of anti-social behaviour has reared its head in coastal parts of the county.

Kent Police has issued dispersal orders - empowering officers to move people on from designated areas - for Herne Bay, Whitstable, Margate, Ramsgate and Broadstairs.

A meeting to discuss the recent disorder held in Broadstairs was attended by more than 100 residents, East Thanet MP Polly Billington said.

Simon Sharples, who became head of Sandwich Technology School in January, said: "I've been at a school before where increasing the community footprint has improved behaviour both in and out of school dramatically.

"This work with the community will encourage a deeper respect for each other and the children will just care more."

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