Update from PC Steven England

Dear Residents of Westgate on Sea,

It has been another positive week, with very few incidents of crime and anti-social behaviour reported in Westgate on Sea. Please see some updates below regarding the recent work of Kent Police in the area:

I have been liaising with Thanet District Council Licensing Department regarding organised events being held at a venue in Westgate on Sea. Numerous residents have contacted me reporting large events being held at the venue, which they believe are unlicensed, and are causing a noise nuisance. Licensing officers from Thanet District Council have contacted the registered company and undertaken a visit to the leaseholder following a referral from me. This is a continuing matter, but I wanted to reassure residents we are aware of the issue and liaising with partner agencies to explore enforcement options where suitable.

I am aware of reports of criminal damage to the planters on Station Road. This was a very sad incident, especially as local children had been involved in the planting and care of the planters, which are a lovely sight along Station Road. I am liaising with local businesses to explore CCTV footage in the hope that we can identify the persons responsible and progress a criminal investigation.

Kent Police have completed another priority survey through the My Community Voice Platform that asks residents what their main concerns are for the area. The more results we receive, the more informed we are about the current crime and anti-social behaviour trends. Therefore, please encourage friends, family, and colleagues that are not currently subscribed to join and direct what you would like Kent Police to tackle in the community. The next three priorities will be road safety issues, criminal damage, and anti-social behaviour.

Road safety issues are consistently highlighted as a priority in Westgate on Sea. Today, I issued a driver with a Traffic Offence Report for driving a vehicle with a child not in a suitable restraint. The driver was travelling along a national speed limit single carriageway (Manston Road), with a three year old not wearing a seatbelt, standing on the rear seat to look through the windscreen, and simply sat on a rear passengers lap. Amazingly, they had travelled all the way from London with the child not wearing a seatbelt or in a suitable restraint with the intention of going to the beach. The danger of a serious injury or fatality collision is obvious in this situation and highlights how a little proactive policing can potentially save lives. The driver will now be reported for a prosecution, with the offence carrying a potential sanction of up to a £500 fine and an endorsement of three penalty points on their driving licence.

Finally, a reminder that I will be hosting a Ward Surgery on Friday 28th August 2026 at 11:00 hours. This will be hosted at Westgate Town Council Offices. Please feel free to come along and discuss any crime or anti-social behaviour issues you are experiencing.

With kind regards

Steve