Kent: Dog bites on the rise as other crimes fall
Kent has witnessed a sharp increase in dog bites in recent months
Kent has witnessed a sharp increase in dog bites in recent months, according to newly-released police figures.
Statistics show there were 61 more instances of “animal nuisance” between November 2023 and January 2024 compared to the same period last year.
The figures were contained in a report by Kent Police Chief Constable Tim Smith to the Kent Police and Crime Commissioner (KPCC) Matthew Scott.
It states: “Animal nuisance/dog bites with an increase of 42.1%, 61 more incidents. 206 incidents were reported in the three-month period compared to 145 in the same period last year.”
The report does not explain what may have driven the increase.
The inappropriate use of fireworks also increased, by 43%, from 55 to 79 in the same time frame.
Overall antisocial behaviour (ASB) decreased by 5.2% or 257 fewer incidents. The biggest fall was experienced in January this year.
The period studied also showed a significant drop in other categories of crimes.
Victim-based crime was also down by 4.9% from 35,403 to 33,662.
The number of suspects interviewed for shoplifting and retail crime shot up by 43.7% (from 952 to 1,368) and subsequent charges also rose by 44% (from 628 to 905).
'Immediate justice'
The figures come as the force has reviewed the launch of its Neighbourhood Policing Model, which launched in June last year.
Mr Scott recently secured funding from the Home Office to deliver extra visible policing in “hotspot” areas to drive down crime to run alongside the new neighbourhood policing model.
This is seeing police officers deployed to local communities and schools, he said.
The commissioner also launched an “immediate justice” programme from October, which will see those committing antisocial behaviour forced to undertake some payback to the community within 48 hours of the offence being committed.