On two days of operation in Headcorn, Marden, and Staplehurst, officers were joined by colleagues from Kent Police’s Rural Task Force and Maidstone Borough Council’s Waste Crime Team.

KCC Wardens also assisted on Wednesdays, June 29 and July 6, 2022. The teams targeted criminals operating in the county town’s southern outskirts, including those engaging in rogue trader activity and illegally transporting and disposing of waste.

Nine people were arrested on suspicion of drug supply offences over the two days, and on June 29, a van that failed to stop for patrols in Wierton Hill was pursued. A local man, 27, was arrested on suspicion of driving while unfit, dangerous driving, and failing to stop for a constable.

Patrols seized an untaxed Ford flat-bed truck and an uninsured VW Golf on Maidstone Road, Headcorn, while conducting road checks.

Furthermore, council enforcement officers issued a £300 fixed penalty notice to a driver who was transporting waste without a valid licence.

‘These two days of action are continuing our efforts to protect rural residents and businesses from those criminals intent on targeting them,’ said Inspector Steve Kent of the Maidstone Community Safety Unit.

‘Over the two days, officers spoke with numerous local residents who were pleased to see the enforcement being carried out.

Those looking to commit crime in and around Maidstone should be aware that our officers and partners will continue to patrol different roads at different times of day throughout the summer.