Text Box: News from Your Police Community Support Officer I am Peter Hylands, your Police Community Support Officer (PCSO). During the past 3 years I have been patrolling South Darenth and Horton Kirby on foot, bicycle and by car and I’ve got to know a lot of you. I have dealt with many of your issues, from dog fouling to mini-motorbikes, to burglaries and assaults. Some we have been able to resolve successfully and some not so. I feel very much a part of this area. Unfortunately not every one who lives in or visits this area appreciates it and we continue to experience low levels of the sort of anti-social behaviour and criminal damage that impacts on people’s quality of life. I would like to encourage you to come forward with information about anti-social behaviour and want to assure you that what you say will be acted on in complete confidence. At the start of the summer holiday three or four people contacted me with information about anti-social behaviour and who was responsible. This was fed into our intelligence unit who ensured it was passed to the appropriate people. Patrol officers then increased visits to the area and during the subsequent weeks made arrests for graffiti and issued warnings about nuisance bikes. Two people who were responsible for crime in the area were given prison sentences. I have recently adjusted my working hours to be available at the times we were told the problems were happening which should help a lot. The information that was passed to me was vital in making these things happen. I wonder how much more we could achieve if more people reported crime and anti-social behaviour and told us what they know about who is doing it. Please speak up and help us to help you. Don’t be intimidated by others. I am holding surgeries at the Village Hall on the following dates: Saturday 6 and 27 October 10.00am – 12.00 noon Please come along to the surgeries, I am there to listen to you. In the meantime I can be contacted on 0796 958 4203. You can also contact me through the Parish Council or email peter.hylands@pnn.police.com