Catapult crimewave hits Kent as attacks double in space of two years

Sharp rise in assaults and attacks on property spark calls for tougher measures to tackle offenders

Most recorded catapult incidents involve children, say police (Getty)

Catapult attacks have soared across Kent, with people, animals and property targeted.

A total of 80 offences involving catapults were recorded in 2018, almost double the number just two years earlier.

Last week a man was left with severe facial injuries when a group targeted him while he was driving, and days before that another man was hit as he tried to stop someone stealing a scooter.

In November a man was left with head injuries when the window of his car was smashed in a catapult attack in Dover and earlier in the year a cyclist was shot in the back of the head with a stone, leaving her with cuts and swelling.

Ashford has become the county’s catapult crime hotspot, new figures show. An Freedom of Information request by local newspaper the Kentish Express revealed a third of catapult crimes (27) were recorded there in 2018, up from 10 in 2016.

Maidstone, Theresa May’s constituency, has also seen catapult attacks rise from seven in 2016 to 15 in 2018.

In Tunbridge Wells, there was one attack in 2016, but 10 in 2018.

Numerous people have had their windows smashed, and in December an RSPCA investigation was launched after a cat was found having been shot in the face with a ball bearing in a “callous and cruel” attack.

Police have said most reported attacks have involved children.

The crimewave has sparked calls for a change in the law enabling police to take tougher action on those carrying the weapons.

It is not illegal to carry a catapult unless evidence reveals a strong link between the carrier and the crime.

Mark Street, from Ashford, who was subjected to a suspected attack in the town, told the Kentish Express he thinks catapult crime should be taken “much more seriously”.

He said: “Rightly or wrongly, it feels like the police treat catapult attacks less seriously than other forms of violent crime. At the very least catapults should be confiscated and the names of those carrying them recorded by the police.”

Inspector Jason Atkinson, from Kent police, told The Independent: “We’ve seen an increase in the number of reports of catapults being used to damage property in Ashford and this is something we are taking seriously.

“While it’s not illegal to own or carry a catapult, and most people use them safely, there is clearly a minority who are breaking the law by causing criminal damage and risking public safety.

“In 2018 we received 27 reports of criminal damage and assault, which all reference catapults being seen or used. This is more than double the amount of similar reports in 2016.”

He added: “Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells have also seen a rise in reports over the past three years. In most cases the suspects are described as young people, therefore we urge children and their parents to give consideration regarding how these toys are being used.

“Our officers have the power to stop and search anyone we believe is carrying a catapult and suspected of using it to cause damage or harm. Anyone caught will risk prosecution.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank members of the Ashford community who have already given us very useful information and descriptions of potential suspects, which is valuable to our enquiries.

“Our police community support officers will be visiting local schools this year to talk about anti-social behaviour, including the dangers of using catapults.”