About the community safety partnership

Community Safety Priorities 2025-28  

This Strategy sets out the 5 priorities that our Partnership will focus on and address over the next 3 years, these priorities have been identified from our annual strategic assessment and following public consultation.  These are.  

• Serious Violent Crime and Serious Acquisitive Crime
• Violence Against Women & Girls (VAWG) and Domestic Abuse
• Persistent Anti-Social Behaviour and Environmental Crime
• Preventing Offending and reducing Re-Offending
• Protecting Vulnerable People, Strengthening Communities and Guarding Against Extremism

Priority 1: Serious Violent Crime and Serious Acquisitive Crime

Why is this important?

Serious violent crime and serious acquisitive crime are key priorities for DCSP because the Partnership recognises the significant impact these crimes have on the safety, well-being, and cohesion of the local community.  Addressing these crimes is central to the CSP’s mission to reduce crime and disorder and create a safer environment for all residents.

Serious violent crimes such as assault, robbery, and gang-related violence have a direct and often devastating impact on the victims and the wider community.   We know from the strategic assessment that violent crime in Dartford equated to 39.6% of all crime in the borough, which is the crime type that accounts for the highest proportion of total crime.  These crimes instil fear and anxiety, making residents feel unsafe in their own neighbourhoods. 

Similarly, serious acquisitive crimes, like burglary and vehicle theft, undermine the sense of security by violating people’s personal property. High levels of both types of crime can erode public confidence in local authorities and law enforcement, making it crucial for the CSP to tackle them proactively to restore trust and ensure that people feel safe in their daily lives.

What is our focus?

• To work closely with our licensing teams to ensure that all licensed premises are compliant with their license conditions, and that any violence/crime is managed and reduced.
• To educate young people about knife crime and the negative impacts of carrying weapons.
• Raise awareness of gangs and knife crime including an appreciation of the consequences and risks of carrying knives/other weapons amongst young people and their families. The DCSP will also work to increase the understanding of this issue amongst front line professionals.
• To continue to provide outreach/mentoring services to young people at risk of becoming involved in, or victims of, violent crime.
• To safeguard vulnerable adults from the risk of harm.
• To work with the Violence Reduction Unit to improve our understanding of violence occurring in public places.
• To work on identifying trend in acquisitive crime types.
• To engage with communities and educate on how to protect themselves against acquisitive crime.
• To work closely with the Dartford Town Against Crime (DTAC) Business Crime Reduction Partnership (BCRP) in order to help support business against prolific shoplifters.

What is our aim for change by the end of this Strategy?

• A reduction in violent crime offences occurring in the borough.
• An increased confidence in victim reporting.
• An improved understanding of hot spot locations of violent offences in public places.
• Reduction in violence with injury offences within hotspot locations and night-time economy areas.
• A Reduction in acquisitive crime type offences in the borough

Priority 2: Violence Against Women & Girls (VAWG) and Domestic Abuse

Why is this important?

Global and national campaigns and high-profile cases given worldwide coverage have continued to bring the issue of violence against women and girls (VAWG) and sexual abuse/exploitation to the centre of public debate. Good progress has been made in tackling these crimes, but the fact remains that these crimes are still far too prevalent.

The term ‘violence against women and girls’ refers to acts of violence or abuse that we know disproportionately affect women and girls. Crimes and behaviour covered by this term include rape and other sexual offences, domestic abuse, stalking, ‘honour’-based abuse (including female genital mutilation forced marriage, and ‘honour’ killings), as well as many others, including offences committed online.  Dartford has seen a reduction of 5.6% in VAWG offences across the borough for the year ending September 30, 2024 however, it is important to continue to tackle all forms of VAWG.

Domestic abuse has been and remain a local, countywide, and national priority.  Work to address this includes: the running of the Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conferences (MARAC) to deal with the most serious of cases of domestic abuse; the commissioning of victim services and provision of refuge accommodation (led by Kent County Council); as well as collaborative working between frontline service providers and wider partners through the North Kent Domestic Abuse Forum. 

Partners continue working collectively to raise awareness of the issues, the support that is available and build trust amongst affected communities.

What is our focus?

• To continue to raise awareness of VAWG in all its forms, to increase victim confidence in reporting and seeking specialist help.
• To work with the Night-Time Economy in order to educate staff on VAWG.
• To continue to attend and support the work of the North Kent Domestic Abuse Forum
• To hold VAWG information sessions within the borough

What is our aim for change by the end of this Strategy?

• Increased number of domestic abuse victims accessing support services.
• An increased awareness of the strands of VAWG and support services available

Priority 3: Persistent Anti-Social Behaviour and Environmental Crime

Why is this important?

Preventing ASB continues to be a priority as the DCSP understands the detrimental impact that persistent ASB can have on the quality of life of our communities, the partnership understands that anti-social behaviour can create a sense of fear and/or disorder making communities feels unsafe.  In Dartford there were 1,618 ASB incidents recorded in the year ending 30 September 2024, a decrease of -6.1% compared with previous 12 months.

Fly-tipping also remains a key focus area for because is often associated with broader issues of anti-social behaviour (ASB), such as vandalism and criminal activity. If left unaddressed, fly-tipped areas can attract further illegal activities, creating a vicious cycle of environmental crime and disorder.  DCSP is conscious that in some cases, fly-tipping may be linked to organised crime, such as illegal waste disposal operations or larger criminal networks. Addressing fly-tipping can help disrupt these criminal enterprises and prevent them from exploiting communities.  Dartford Borough Council works with a range of agencies in tackling enforcement action against offenders whenever possible through both reactive investigations and proactive operations.

It is important to note that over the past few years Kent Fire & Rescue Service (KFRS) experienced significant fires across Dartford, particularly at Dartford Heath, this has had a devastating impact on the habitat which supports a diverse range of wildlife.  There was a particularly bad period throughout 2022 which was not helped by the hot dry weather period experienced throughout the summer months.  However, throughout the period of October 2023 – September 2024 KFRS recorder a 28% reduction in grassland fires compared to the same period the year before.  Although this is positive the DCSP aims to continue to work together to ensure that we do not see the same devastation witnessed in 2022.

What is our focus?

• To continue to reduce ASB incidents by taking a holistic approach in each case looking at any underlining issues which need to be addressed.
• To utilise the powers and legislation available to councils and other partners to combat ASB.
• To continue to engage and provide targeted outreach services for young people, to understand the behaviours of those groups deemed as ‘nuisance youths.
• To continue to identify and prosecute individuals that fly-tip in our borough.
• To reduce the number of deliberate and accidental fires.
• To continue to educate members of the public on fire safety, and the risks posed by wildfires.
• To provide education to children and young people about on fire safety, and the risks posed by wildfires.

What is our aim for change by the end of this Strategy?

• Reduction in ASB incidents recorded.
• Renewal of the borough wide Public Spaces Protection Order tackling nuisance vehicles
• Reduction in fly-tipping incidents.
• Reduction in deliberate fires.

Priority 4: Preventing Offending and Reducing Re-offending

Why is this important?

Preventing offending and reducing reoffending is a fundamental priority for DCSP because it addresses both the root causes of criminal behaviour and the long-term impacts on community safety.  Preventing offending and reducing reoffending is not only a priority but a crosscutting theme amongst the DCSP’s other priorities this is because of the various factors described below.  High levels of re-offending create a cycle of crime that erodes public trust and security.  By focusing on preventing initial offending and reducing recidivism, DCSP aims to create safer, more resilient communities, ensuring that offenders are not only held accountable but also given the tools to reintegrate successfully into society.

A significant factor contributing to both initial offending and re-offending is substance misuse.  Many individuals involved in criminal behaviour can often struggle with addiction, whether to alcohol, drugs, or other substances, which can impair judgment and drive them to commit crimes.  One particular crime that is frequently associated with substance misuse is shoplifting, as individuals may steal to fund addiction.  By addressing this underlying issue through targeted interventions, the partnership aims to help break the cycle of criminal behaviour, reducing both the frequency of shoplifting incidents and the broader impact of offending. Therefore the DCSP will continue to work with substance misuse providers and mental health support services with an aim to supporting these services where possible to ensure that offenders are receiving the right care and support, in doing so the partnership aims assist with tackling the underlying issue of substance misuse, and in turn break the cycle of offending and prevent individuals from returning to criminal behaviour once they are released from the criminal justice system.

In addition, organised crime is another significant driver of both offending and re-offending. Organised Crime Groups often prey on vulnerable individuals, luring them into a life of crime through manipulation, coercion, or the promise of financial reward.  This is particularly relevant in cases of human trafficking, drug trafficking, and violent crime.  People who have been involved in organised crime may be at high risk of re-offending due to the criminal network’s influence and the lack of legitimate employment or support systems

By addressing the links between offending, substance misuse, and organised crime, DCSP can create a multi-faceted strategy that focuses on prevention and intervention.  The goal is not just to reduce crime but to foster a supportive environment that helps individuals overcome the challenges that lead to criminal behaviour in the first place.  Preventing offending and reducing re-offending not only reduces crime rates but also contributes to long-term community safety, ensuring that individuals who may have been involved in criminal behaviour can move forward as contributing members of society.

What is our focus?

• To continue to improve our understanding of Serious and Organised Crime Groups, including gang- related activity in our area.
• To work in partnership with appropriate agencies to address re-offending and take a holistic approach, by addressing the reasons why individuals re-offend.
• Continue to work with police to obtain Criminal Behaviour Orders (CBO) against persistent/ repeat offenders.
• Continue to work the Dartford Town Against Crime (DTAC) Partnership and Bluewater Security in order to support local business and target prolific shoplifters.
• Continue to enforce the Town Centre and Borough Wide Public Spaces Protection Orders. 
• To safeguard potential victims of crime.
• Continue to provide outreach/mentoring services to young people at risk of becoming involved in crime.

What is our aim for change by the end of this Strategy?

• Reduction in the number of crimes committed in the borough.
• An increased awareness by young people of gangs in order to prevent them becoming involved in or targeted by them.
• Improvement in the identification and disruption of organised crime groups.
• Sound understanding of the gangs operating in the Borough.

Priority 5: Protecting Vulnerable People, Strengthening Communities and guarding against extremism

Why is this important?

Vulnerable individuals are often susceptible to harm through various factors, some of which may include their age, disability, gender, religion and belief, or sexual orientation, and victims of abuse or exploitation, are often at a higher risk of harm, manipulation, and victimisation.  Ensuring that these individuals are safeguarded from harm not only improves their quality of life but also helps to create a safer, more inclusive environment for all members of society.

To assist the DCSP with the Community Safety Strategy Dartford Borough Council has a monthly Vulnerability Panel.  The Panel is a multi-agency group which meet regularly and work in partnership to effectively provide support to victims and vulnerable individuals / communities by developing and implementing multi-agency plans to support vulnerable individuals in accessing services.

Dartford is a diverse and changing community sitting above the national average for those classed as minority ethnic residents and is nearly double the county average.  The population of the borough is forecast to grow at a much faster rate over the coming years with current forecasts suggesting a 25.4% growth between 2021and 2041. This is the second highest rate of growth expected for any Kent district and a growth rate that is much higher than the county average of 20.1%. This forecast is based on KCC’s assessment of the district authority’s future housing targets as of November 2021.  Experience from other parts of the country indicates that such rapid change presents a risk of increased community tension and incidences of hate crime and a threat to community resilience and cohesion which is at an already heightened level.  In Dartford there has been an 18.4% decrease in Hate related incidents.  This is positive and proves that despite the experience of other areas Dartford remains a cohesive borough.

Strengthening communities is essential for building resilience against crime and disorder.  A cohesive community is one where residents feel a sense of belonging, trust one another, and collaborate to address local challenges.  DCSP recognises that when communities are united, they become more proactive in identifying and addressing issues such as anti-social behaviour, violence, and other forms of crime.

Guarding against extremism is increasingly important in today’s society, as radicalisation can lead to violent behaviour and the destabilisation of communities.  Extremist ideologies, whether related to political, religious, or social causes, can be highly destructive, especially when individuals are drawn into these ideologies through manipulation or isolation.

Protecting vulnerable people, strengthening communities, and guarding against extremism are interconnected priorities that contribute to a safer, more cohesive society. DCSP’s focus on these areas will not only aim to protect individuals from harm but also enhance the collective strength of the community, reducing the risk of violence, hate, and division. 

What is our focus?

• To continue to raise awareness of hate crime, in all its forms, and to increase victim confidence to seek support.
• To continue to provide events that are accessible to all and strengthen communities.
• To raise awareness of criminal exploitation amongst children.
• To safeguard vulnerable children who are directly at risk of harm.
• To continue to work with the PREVENT team to safeguard individuals at risk of being radicalised.
• To protect specific communities who are more vulnerable to particular crimes.

What is our aim for change by the end of this Strategy?

• Increase in confidence of hate crime victims resulting in greater reporting of hate crime and the number of offenders brought to justice.
• Ensure frontline staff are trained in the Prevent Duty and the referral process.