A Maidstone man was among nine people arrested across Kent during a county-wide focus on Predictive Policing.

The 35-year-old was wanted on suspicion of breaching the terms of his licence for a previous offence, and was arrested in Maidstone High Street on Thursday 4 December.

Predictive Policing is a computer programme that analyses data and calculates where crime is most likely to take place, and is used on a daily basis to help reduce the number of offences committed in an area.

The technology was showcased last week when senior officers – including Chief Constable Alan Pughsley – joined neighbourhood teams on the streets to act upon the intelligence generated.

Officers supported by PCSOs and specials from Kent Police’s West Division also offered crime prevention advice to residents throughout the district while providing a visible presence to deter would-be offenders.

A further eight people were arrested elsewhere in the county for a variety of offences, including a 27-year-old man from Gravesend wanted in connection with a number of armed robberies in Latvia.

"Predictive Policing is a valuable tool that allows officers to prevent crime by being in the right place at the right time" - Chief Sup Steve Corbishley

Chief superintendent Steve Corbishley, area commander for Kent Police’s west division, said: "Predictive Policing is a valuable tool that allows officers to prevent crime by being in the right place at the right time.

"But it’s a tool that cannot be utilised without the input of experienced police officers who know their neighbourhoods inside-out and are best-placed to deal with the intelligence provided.

"Residents living in Maidstone, Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells, Sevenoaks and the surrounding areas can rest assured that we will use every resource at our disposal – including Predictive Policing – to tackle crime and the causes of crime."

Predictive Policing was introduced to Kent Police in December 2012 and resulted in a six per cent reduction in street violence during a four-month trial in the north Kent division.

The programme was rolled out countywide in April 2013.

Inspector Lesley Mitchell, who coordinated the focus day county-wide, said: "Predictive Policing combines advanced mathematics and crime data with the expertise of officers on the beat, who are best placed to engage with communities and help reduce offences.

"The focus day was very successful and has allowed us to demonstrate what further action we are taking to target criminals and to help keep Kent a safe place to live, work and visit.’