Council Increases High-Visibility Presence
Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council (TMBC) has announced a significant step in its efforts to tackle anti-social behaviour (ASB) with the official launch of the Safer Neighbourhood Team. This new initiative places community safety at the centre of the council’s operations, introducing a dedicated patrol team to support residents and local businesses throughout the borough.
The Safer Neighbourhood Team is a result of a new partnership with TMS Protection Ltd. It aims to build upon the foundations laid by the council’s existing, award-winning ASB team. The primary focus of these new patrols is to provide a reassuring presence across both towns and villages.
Dedicated Officers on the Ground
The team consists of four uniformed officers who work in pairs. Their remit involves direct engagement with the public, local business owners, and parish councils to understand and address specific local concerns.
Equipped with body-worn cameras, these officers will focus their attention on known ASB hot-spots. Their responsibilities include deterring and detecting nuisance behaviour, reporting emerging issues, and enforcing Public Space Protection Orders when required. The presence of the team is designed to offer visible reassurance to the community while acting as a deterrent to potential offenders.
Addressing Rising Concerns
The launch comes at a time of increased reporting of incidents. For the 2025/26 financial year ending in March, the police received 1,859 reports of ASB, an increase from 1,324 the previous year. While reports specifically made to the borough council saw a slight decrease—from 429 to 368—the nature of the incidents remains a priority for local authorities.
Reported issues within the borough have included persistent noise nuisance, dangerous car meets, and the concerning use of catapults in local parks.
A Commitment to Community Safety
Des Keers, the Cabinet Member for Community Safety, expressed his support for the new initiative, stating that the launch of these patrols is a clear indication of the council’s commitment to tackling anti-social behaviour. He emphasised that a visible presence and better community engagement are key to making residents feel safer.
The Safer Neighbourhood Team is scheduled to remain on patrol across the borough until November.
Reporting Incidents
The council continues to encourage residents to take an active role in improving community safety. If you have experienced or witnessed anti-social behaviour, you can report it directly via the Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council website. Reporting ensures that the authorities have an accurate picture of the challenges facing the community and can allocate resources effectively.
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