The Kent and Medway Police and Crime Panel met on Tuesday, 14 October 2025, to review the Kent Police and Crime Commissioner's Annual Report for 2024-25 and discuss the Safer Streets Summer Initiative. Key discussions included the progress made against the 'Making Kent Safer' plan, efforts to tackle violence against women and girls, and the effectiveness of policing in town centres.

Kent Police and Crime Commissioner's Annual Report 2024-25

The Panel reviewed the Kent Police and Crime Commissioner's (PCC) Annual Report for 2024-25, which detailed progress against the 'Making Kent Safer' plan. The report highlighted a reduction in victim-based crime and anti-social behaviour, with notable decreases in residential burglaries and violent crime. The PCC, Matthew Scott, noted that while shoplifting had seen an increase, this reflected a national trend, and he expressed confidence in Kent Police's response.

Discussions also covered the Force's efforts to tackle violence against women and girls (VAWG), with a reported reduction in rape offences and an increase in the charged rate. The effectiveness of Operation Soteria in improving rape and sexual offence charged rates was acknowledged. The Panel heard about the challenges faced by the Victim and Witness Care Unit due to increasing caseloads and delays within the criminal justice system.

The report also detailed efforts to protect people from exploitation and abuse, including reductions in domestic abuse offences and violence against the person. The PCC sought assurance that victims of domestic abuse were still reporting offences, and the Chief Constable explained changes in recording practices that might affect statistics but not the overall picture of offences. The Force's commitment to tackling organised crime, county lines, and serious crime was also highlighted, with a reported reduction in knife crime.

Improvements in police visibility and responsiveness were discussed, with significant advancements in answering 999 and 101 calls. The PCC commended the Force Control Room staff for their efforts. Rural crime also saw a substantial reduction in theft of agricultural equipment and wildlife offences. The success of the Special Constabulary and other volunteer roles was praised.

The Panel also reviewed the Force's commitment to preventing road danger and supporting Vision Zero, noting a reduction in fatalities and serious injuries on Kent's roads, with a focus on vulnerable road users and the 'fatal four' driving offences. An increase in child protection-related offences was discussed, linked to changes in recording practices for sexual offences and stalking.

Safer Streets Summer Initiative

The Panel received an update on the Safer Streets Summer Initiative, a government-led programme aimed at reducing crime and anti-social behaviour (ASB) in town centres. Fifteen town centres across Kent were identified as priority areas for targeted interventions, including increased police patrols and enforcement.

Significant operational activity focused on tackling violence against women and girls (VAWG) in public spaces and the night-time economy. Project Vigilant, which uses plain-clothed officers to identify and disrupt predatory behaviour, was deployed in several town centres, leading to arrests and out-of-court resolutions. Operation Pilot, a multi-agency initiative involving passive drugs dogs, aimed to detect and deter drug use in the night-time economy. VAWG 'Walk and Talk' events and the promotion of the Walksafe App were also highlighted.

The initiative also addressed anti-social behaviour (ASB), with targeted patrols and dispersal orders implemented, particularly in coastal towns facing increased visitor numbers. In Maidstone, e-scooters and illegal e-bikes were seized, and traffic restrictions were enforced. Operations in Rochester targeted the anti-social use of vehicles, resulting in seizures and arrests. Joint operations with British Transport Police aimed to tackle ASB on the train network. ASB associated with rough sleeping was addressed in partnership with other agencies.

Youth engagement and intervention programmes were a key focus, with multi-agency events promoting safeguarding and diversionary activities. Operation Makesafe aimed to help the hospitality sector identify potential victims of child exploitation. Diversionary activities, such as gaming buses and PANNA football cages, were deployed in Ashford. The Kent and Medway Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) led work on Focused Deterrence, targeting young street groups to divert them from criminality. The safer knife replacement scheme continued, with further knives surrendered.

Community engagement events were held across Kent to build trust and confidence, provide crime prevention advice, and foster positive relationships between police and local communities. Effective communication through social media and platforms like 'My Community Voice' was used to provide timely updates and engage in dialogue with residents.

The initiative also addressed retail and business crime, with efforts to reduce shoplifting and assaults on staff. Business Crime Seminars were held to prepare businesses for emerging crime trends and share best practices. Successful interventions using Criminal Behaviour Orders (CBOs) and other tools were highlighted, leading to reductions in shoplifting and ASB in town centres. Innovative practices like Operation Odin, a plain-clothed operation targeting high theft volume retailers, and Operation Ibis in Maidstone, which addressed shoplifting and ASB at a specific store, were also discussed.

Complaints Against the Commissioner

The Panel received the Annual Report on complaints made against the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for 2024-25. A total of 14 complaints were received for assessment. Of these, 11 were recorded but disapplied on the grounds that they were vexatious, oppressive, repetitious or an abuse of the complaints process . Three complaints were received and not recorded. The report noted an increase in recorded complaints compared to the previous year.

Work Programme

The Panel noted the upcoming items for its work programme, including updates on Neighbourhood Policing and holding the Chief Constable to account.

Minutes of the Performance and Delivery Board

The Panel noted the minutes of the Performance and Delivery Board meeting held on 28 May 2025. Key discussions from that meeting included an overview of the 'Making Kent Safer' plan, with a focus on reductions in crime and ASB, and efforts to tackle violence against women and girls. The effectiveness of the Force's response to child sexual exploitation and the progress on the HMICFRS inspection recommendations were also discussed. The Board also reviewed the Force's staffing levels, occupational health data, and financial position.