Catapult crime: 'I thought we were being shot with a gun'

Residents across south-east England report a surge in catapult incidents that have sounded like gunfire and damaged homes. Barbara Servante in Minster, Kent, heard an 'almighty bang' she initially thought was a gunshot, a concern shared by neighbors as windows were shattered in the area. Kent Police say they logged an average of 14 catapult offences per day in 2025, with calls spanning Marden, Tunbridge Wells and other towns. Officers stress that possessing a catapult is not illegal, but suspects used to commit crimes can be arrested and confiscated. Supt Rob Marsh urged anyone with information to come forward as police plan summer operations countywide.