Police searches uncover knife and knuckle duster
Patrols stepped up and dispersal zone is put in place
A knife and knuckle duster were taken from teenagers during a police crackdown in Maidstone, which saw more than 200 people searched.
Patrols were stepped up in the town centre over the weekend as the force responded to reports of groups fighting and people causing a nuisance.
A dispersal order was put in place in the town overnight on Friday until 8.45pm on Sunday. It authorised officers to search people in the area for weapons. Some 210 people were searched and 17 suspects were arrested, including a 19-year-old man with a knife and an 18-year-old with a knuckle duster.
Arrests were also made for the use of threatening words or behaviour, drug possession and being drunk and disorderly. Speaking to the Kent Messenger, district commander for Maidstone Ch Insp Ray Quiller, who took up the role in 2018, said: “We have really stepped up stop and searches since my time here as commander.” “I openly encourage my officers to use it in the right circumstances. It is used really well across Maidstone. The feedback from young people is that they like to see us use it, because they feel safe.
Knife crime in Maidstone hit the headlines in August when Andre Bent was fatally stabbed in Jubilee Square after a fight. A 16-year-old boy from London, denies murdering Mr Bent, but eight others admitted violent disorder. All will come back before the Old Bailey next month.
While the order was in place, 11 people were ordered to leave the area and not return for 24 hours for nuisance behaviour. One person who failed to comply with this was arrested.
Ch Insp Quiller added the majority of people were pleased to see extra patrols.