SAFER STREET SCHEME SET TO STAY IN ROCHESTER

By Eve Kelly

Night time police patrols that have taken place in Rochester on the weekends as an initiative to combat crime are likely to stay after a report from Kent Police saw that the amount of offences were almost halved.  

Kent Police rolled out the scheme back in July after countless reports of spikings, anti social behaviour and sexual assault took place.

When the plan was initially proposed Crime Commissioner, Matthew Scott, said “I’m absolutely delighted we have secured this funding. I’ve seen the difference previous Safer Streets Programmes have made to our communities and I’m thrilled we can expand that good work.” 

Studies from CrimeRate revealed that as of 2022, the rate of crime in Rochester is 34% higher than the average for the South East and 29% higher than England, Wales & Northern Ireland’s overall figure.

Blue Boar Lane which houses the largest nightclub in Medway sees a large percentage of the crime that occurs once the venue shuts at 3am and the street becomes congested with young people often intoxicated and trying to get home.

We asked local people if they felt any safer going out into the town because of the police presence. One homeless man revealed that since the police have been on the streets he hasn’t been abused by groups walking by, whereas Gabriella, 18,  a local to medway said “I’m here every weekend for a night out with my friends, things obviously still happen but not to the extent that they used to and you also know that if anything does happen the police are literally right here.”

Owner of the restaurant Brettingtons, Mr Brett told Kent Buzz “we’ve noticed that when we close up, the high street is a lot less like carnage and I’m pleased to hear the police are staying to monitor conflicts.”

Officers have been scattered along the busiest parts of the high street to reduce potential outbreaks of crime occurrences and this plan of action has proven to be very effective which is why Kent police are keeping this measure in place for the foreseeable future for the safety of everyone in medway.

Published 14th October 2022