Officers from Kent Police have been engaging with women and girls in Tonbridge as part of ongoing work to further enhance their safety

On Thursday 11 January, constables spoke to almost 50 females, to gain a wider understanding of how safe they feel in the areas they live, work, and socialise.

Patrols from the Neighbourhood Task Force were joined by local beat officers, as well as police dog handlers in the High Street, to gather responses from passing pedestrians.

Those who engaged with officers completed surveys to highlight any concerns they had and were also advised on what steps they could take to avoid becoming a victim of crime whilst out and about, or within the home. The surveys will assist in future planning to prevent crime in the town, in particular violence against women and girls (VAWG).

Tonbridge Chief Inspector Stuart Paul said: ‘We want women and girls to understand how committed we are to tackling VAWG, with our partners, and it is important they trust us to do this. This latest event has highlighted some concerns, including street lighting, CCTV, and areas where people would like to see an increased police presence.

‘It will help us act where it is most needed and hopefully make women and girls feel safer as they go about their daily lives, whether that be on the streets, within schools, while using public transport, or in their own homes.’