A crackdown on crime designed to make an estate safer for the community has led to 100 arrests.

Launched in October, the Maidstone Task Force sees Kent Police working with councils, probation services and the housing association to tackle offending in Shepway.

Of the 100 arrests, 29 charges were authorised for a range of offences including possession of class A drugs, handling stolen goods, theft, assault and criminal damage.

A further 24 offenders were recalled to prison or were placed before the courts where they were wanted on a warrant.

Officers have also executed seven search warrants, leading to arrests and the seizure of suspected stolen property and other proceeds of crime worth more than £56,000.

Drugs have been recovered with a street value of around £10,000, along with more than £11,000 in cash.

Insp Steve Kent, of the Maidstone community safety unit, said: "Officers and our partners have been very visible within the community working to make Shepway a safe place to live, work and visit.

"We have been actively bringing offenders to justice, reporting suspects for offences and offering support, advice and guidance where required.

"There is no doubt that the ability to bring the combined resources of a number of agencies to bear on a range of problems has started to have a positive effect. Successes have been highlighted through regular local meetings with residents and businesses.

"We are encouraged by the positive feedback we have received and pleased that residents have not hesitated to update us on suspected criminal activity and anti-social behaviour in the area. I would urge local people to continue contacting us with your concerns to allow us to deploy our resources effectively."

The task force has carried out crime reduction and community safety initiatives over the past seven months, including days of action targeting knife crime, domestic abuse, fly tipping, drug abuse and the exploitation of vulnerable victims.

Martyn Jeynes, community protection manager at Maidstone Borough Council, said: "We want to make sure Maidstone is a place where people feel safe. By working in partnership as one task force we are already bringing about sustainable positive changes to our communities."

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