Over 70 people dispersed as police in Thanet crackdown on anti-social behaviour
Kent Police also made 6 arrests
74 people have been dispersed as Kent Police tackle anti-social behaviour in Thanet.
Six arrests were also made.
During the weekend from Friday 27 June 2025, dispersal orders in Broadstairs, Margate and Ramsgate, combined with high-visibility police patrols ensured any nuisance behaviour was rapidly identified and dealt with.
The additional temporary powers were brought in as part of a response to incidents of underage street drinking and aggressive behaviour towards staff at shops and restaurants which were reported between Thursday 19 June and Saturday 21 June 2025.
As well as a total of 24 people searched during the weekend, other results included:
In Ramsgate police intervened with a group of young people causing a disturbance on Friday night. An off-duty officer in the area also saw the incident and seized a baseball bat from one of the teenagers. Further enquiries established that damage had been caused to a window of a property in the York Street area, resulting in the arrest of one of the group. A further four were dispersed from the area. Enquiries into the incident remain ongoing.
Working with colleagues at British Transport Police as well as CCTV operators, officers were able to monitor any potential issues arising and take prompt action. On Friday in Broadstairs, police confiscated a crate of beer from a group of teenagers arriving in the town and words of advice were given about not causing antisocial behaviour.
On Saturday in Broadstairs and in Margate, officers responded to reports of large groups of young people arriving in the towns, including a group suspected of travelling without tickets. They were met at the railway station and dispersed away from the town.
District Commander for Thanet, Chief Inspector Ian Swallow said:
"We hope people who were out enjoying the beaches felt reassured by the work of officers this weekend.
"Dispersal orders covering the town centres and beaches were put in place and are continuing currently until the afternoon of Tuesday 1 July. This is under constant review and will be utilised as needed.
"Throughout the summer months we will continue to target anyone found to be causing crime and disorder and those who persistently offend will be identified and dealt with proportionately.
"Antisocial behaviour is not welcome and anyone who sees or hears anything of concern is urged to report it to Kent Police. By working together with the communities we serve, the businesses and our partner agencies, we can continue to keep the district a safe place for residents and visitors."