Bircholt — Neighbourhood Policing Team

Road safety issues.

Following proactive patrols between Folkestone and Ashford along the A20 corridor, officers from the Folkestone Neighbourhood Team stopped a foreign HGV on the A20 at Mersham. Several kilos of cocaine were found concealed in the back of the vehicle. One person was arrested and charged with being concerned in the fraudulent evasion of a Class A drug, which means they are accused of being involved in trying to unlawfully bring drugs into the country or avoid checks. Officers have also carried out proactive patrols around Challock, Canterbury Road and Buck Street after reports of antisocial riding linked to car meets. Following one report of antisocial driving, a driver was issued with a Section 59 notice. A Section 59 notice is a legal warning that can be given when a vehicle is used in a way that causes alarm, distress or annoyance to others. If the driver breaches the notice, police can seize the vehicle. Speed checks have also continued on the A252, with one driver issued with a Traffic Offence Report (TOR) for speeding. A TOR is a formal record used when someone is suspected of committing a road traffic offence and may lead to a fine, a driver education course or a court appearance. In Charing, another person was arrested after failing to provide a breath sample at the roadside, which is a test used to check whether someone may be over the drink-drive limit. They remain under investigation while enquiries continue.

Set: 2026-04-14

Residential burglary.

Following a report that gates had been stolen from a residential property in the Hastingleigh area, officers carried out enquiries and quickly traced and recovered the stolen items by identifying and locating a suspect vehicle. During the investigation, additional gates believed to have been stolen were also recovered. Several individuals were arrested in connection with the offences and remain subject to bail conditions while enquiries continue. Neighbourhood officers will continue to carry out patrols in the area and are sharing crime prevention advice through My Community Voice to help residents protect their property and reduce the risk of theft.

Set: 2026-04-14

Farm equipment thefts.

Neighbourhood Officers have been working alongside the Rural Task Force to deliver property marking events in local rural communities. Property marking involves adding a unique identifying mark to valuable items, making them easier to trace and return to their owners if they are lost or stolen. These events are held regularly across rural areas and are promoted through My Community Voice. Residents are encouraged to attend to learn more about protecting their property and reducing the risk of crime. Rural neighbourhood officers are also members of FarmWatch, a scheme that brings together farmers, landowners, rural businesses and police to share information about crime and suspicious activity. FarmWatch helps officers provide crime prevention advice, improve communication with the rural community and respond quickly to emerging concerns. By working closely with local residents and businesses, officers can help prevent crime, gather valuable information and keep rural communities safe.

Set: 2026-04-14