Outgoing crime commissioner Ann Barnes has visited a new support and advice service in Gravesend.

Kent Police have launched six new Compass Points across the county where victims of crime get help from a team of dedicated volunteers, with one of them stationed at Gravesend Civic Centre.

The commissioner, who will leave her post after Thursday's election for a new Kent Police and Crime Commissioner, was impressed by her time in the town.

“Within an hour of opening, the volunteers had spoken to a man who’d had his door damaged,” she said.

“He’d reported the crime to Kent Police, but unfortunately the force had been unable to find the offender.

“There will always be some crimes which can’t be solved due to lack of evidence, but that can leave the victim feeling vulnerable or frustrated.

“Thanks to our new initiative, the man was able to make an appointment at his local Compass Point and talk about how he was feeling. He is being given ongoing support to help him come to terms with what happened.

“Victims deserve the best support that we can offer. Some victims are happy to get help over the phone, but for those who prefer to talk face-to-face, there is now another convenient way to get the help they need.”

Other Compass Points have been set up in Strood, Maidstone, Tunbridge Wells, Margate and Dover.