Teenagers have been blocking high streets, damaging properties and intimidating residents in one Kent town.
People living and working in Snodland have shared their frustration at the anti-social behaviour plaguing the town.
Police say they are aware of the issues plaguing the town and are patrolling the area, but reports of problems have dropped in recent months.
But for the people living in the town, it feels like it’s getting worse.
Nick Watt set out into Snodland with his nine-year-old daughter one Sunday afternoon.
Their route took them from the Snodland Community Cricket Club to the local park, but to get there, they had to pass through the High Street.
But their route was blocked. In front of the off-licence, a group of teenagers on bikes were blocking the way.
When Nick politely asked them to move, they responded by telling him: “Get lost and go around.”
To avoid further confrontation, the dad and his daughter had no choice but to step into the busy road.
“I didn’t like that my daughter had to walk on a busy street,” Nick said.
“I told them that. I told them it wasn’t right.”
Things escalated as several of the teenagers began shouting insults.
Nick says they tried to walk away, but the group followed, continuing to taunt him.
One teenager became especially aggressive, asking if Nick would like to be “slashed with a knife” in front of his daughter.
The teenager also spat in Nick’s direction several times.
Once home, he reported the incident to the police online and inquiries were carried out.
The case has been now closed due to a lack of evidence.
Business owners in the town are also having to take extra measures to protect their property from the youths.
Every weekend, staff at pizza takeaway chain, Domino’s, lock the doors and allow only one customer inside at a time, who must use the doorbell, to stop teenagers getting in and causing chaos.
He said: “The kids would come in, throw food and wrappers around, and leave rubbish behind.
“We had to throw away our products because we couldn’t risk contamination.”
On one occasion, the group even broke a window.
The damage led the takeaway’s manager to remove all furniture inside.
“We have to be careful not to let them in,” the worker explained.
“One of our drivers was hurt. They would touch his bike, kick him and hit his helmet.”
Over at the cricket club, Tim, who works there, explained that disruptions have become a regular occurrence, especially on match days.
He said: “The other day there were about eight or nine kids on their bikes.
“They broke all the fences around the pitch.
“They were doing wheelies and causing damage to the ground.
“A few weeks ago, during a match, when families were watching, kids were hanging around swearing and threatening to smash people’s faces.”
Even after a behaviour unit, a special security team called in by the council, was deployed to manage the situation during matches, the teens continued to challenge the staff.
“One had to stand at the gate to stop the kids from getting in,” Tim explained.
He also spoke of an incident where a girl was beaten up by a group of girls who had to be chased off by Tim’s daughter.
Children of seven and eight-years-old were trying to play at the time.
Jean and Sue, long-time Snodland residents, now only feel safe walking the streets in the mornings.
They explained how the area has changed.
“We used to walk these streets every day, but now we only come out in the morning when we feel safer,” they said.
“Those kids block the roads, shout at people, and cause trouble wherever they go.”
Rachel Byrne, who contacted the police after “those bikers ruined her house wall,” shared her frustration.
but the police did not make any arrests and the case was closed due to a lack of evidence.
One local man, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “Part of me thinks sometimes it’s just kids being kids.
“But this has gone beyond that.”
Despite an increased police presence in Snodland, including neighbourhood patrols and proactive measures over the past year, many residents feel the situation has not improved significantly.
While crime statistics show a decrease in reported incidents, the community has not felt the impact of these changes.
Tim mentioned that even when the police arrive, the teenagers do not respect them.
“They throw stuff at the police cars, and the police don’t do anything,” he said.
“It’s as if the kids know they won’t face any real consequences.”
Some residents believe the police and others know who the offenders are, but no one is being held accountable.
David Lettington, chairman of Snodland Town Council, acknowledged the frustrations expressed by Tim and other residents, especially concerning the cricket club.
He said: “We understand the concerns raised and the ongoing issues with youths causing disruption and we share the same frustration.
“We’re working with Tonbridge and Malling Council and the police to address these issues.
“The police certainly know the names of lots of individuals.”
He said that compared to previous years, the number of reported incidents has decreased.
Mr Lettington continued: “I’ve had residents say, ‘nothing’s happening’.
“I don’t think that’s true.
“But of course, the police can’t comment on ongoing investigations, and they can’t comment on the names of individuals, especially those under 18.”
In response, Chief inspector of Kent Police Mark Stubberfield acknowledged there were challenges but said reported crime in the area had fallen.
“We know all too well the impact that crime and anti-social behaviour can have on people’s lives and are encouraged that over the past year reported levels of antisocial behaviour in parts of Snodland have fallen almost 60 per cent,” he said.
“Tackling these issues remains a joint responsibility with our partners, including the local council, schools and businesses.
“We use intelligence-led information to focus our patrols on areas likely to have the highest risk of crime, and this includes the use of dedicated beat officers in areas such as the High Street.”
Ch Insp Stubberfield also mentioned specific areas of focus for police action.
He added: “In the summer months this includes an increased focus on anti-social behaviour hotspot areas, such as at Holborough Lakes, where with the assistance of the local authority, officers have been enforcing public space protection orders and dispersal orders.
“We would like to remind residents to please report any incidents of antisocial behaviour to us.
“This is crucial in helping us build an accurate picture of where there may be persistent problems.”
