Overview

• A resident in the Langley area of Maidstone was struck in the face by a catapult after confronting youths gathering stones outside his home, and the assault is now under active investigation.
• Chief Inspector James Ross reports that Kent Police have received an average of 14 daily contacts regarding catapult use or possession since early June.
• Although catapult ownership is lawful under UK law, officers can seize and destroy any suspected weapons if they believe they are being used for criminal activity or antisocial behaviour.
• In July Kent Police searched children and teenagers in towns such as Fant, Maidstone and Rochester, confiscating catapults and ball bearings, and issued Community Protection Warnings to parents of youths seen shooting pigeons on CCTV.
• As part of the crackdown, officers have stepped up regular patrols in hotspot areas and written to every county school urging students and parents to understand catapult laws and the risks of misuse.