There's a new face on patrol in the heart of Sittingbourne.

PC Justin Lowe, 35, has started work as a town officer joining well known PC Jason Hedges.

He replaces PC Kelli Gardner, who is now based at the Isle of Sheppey Academy.

PC Lowe joined Kent Police in 2001 and for the last three years has been a member of the Sittingbourne Neighbourhood Team.

Although still part of the team his main responsibility is now policing Sittingbourne town centre.

He said: “As a town beat officer my job is to be a highly visible presence, supporting traders and working with partners such as Swale Borough Council to keep the town centre a safe place to work, shop and visit.

“I’m really excited about the challenge. It’s a varied job as we deal with everything from licensing laws and enforcing the alcohol control zone to trading standards issues and fraud offences.

“Kelli is a hard act to follow but I hope to carry on her enthusiasm for the job. My priority is to make Sittingbourne town centre a safe and enjoyable place to visit.”

Sittingbourne is part of the town centre radio scheme Swale Safe, a business crime reduction partnership between shops and businesses, Kent Police and Swale Borough Council through which members share information on criminal activity.

Both PC Lowe and PC Hedges carry Swale Safe radios.

For more information on neighbourhood policing in your area visit the Kent Police website www.kent.police.uk