Dispersal orders have been used in Margate and Ramsgate to deal with youngsters as young as 11 causing disruption to businesses and residents.
On Sunday (August 11) a 48 hour order was used, covering Ramsgate including Park Road, Royal Harbour Approach Road, Victoria Parade and Boundary Road. The powers had been brought in following reports that young people had been throwing stones at members of public from a rooftop, cycling into business premises and creating disorder in the town centre. Concerns had also been raised regarding drunk and disorderly behaviour.
Four youngsters, aged between 11 to 15, were given dispersal notices after officers were called to reports of a group causing issues in Harbour Parade. A bike was also seized from one of the group.
On Monday 12 August, a 37-year-old man, a 43-year-old man and a 44-year-old woman were also dispersed from the area.
During the evening of Monday 12 August, a dispersal order was brought in to cover Margate town centre, after police were called to deal with a disturbance involving a group of young people in the High Street.
Dispersal orders last for 48 hours, and give additional powers to officers to move on people, who then risk arrest if they return to that area within 24 hours.
It was reported that a member of staff at McDonalds had been punched by a teenage girl. Police are also investigating a report that a girl assaulted a woman by pulling her hair.
While making enquiries at the scene, attempts were made to damage a police car. A 16-year-old boy from London was arrested on suspicion of causing damage, as well as assaulting an officer. He has been released on bail pending further enquiries.
Officers worked with CCTV operators to monitor the area and a 48-hour dispersal order was put in place. The group was dispersed away from the town centre with a warning that they risked arrest if they returned.
Inspector Jim Woodward said: “We are listening to local businesses and residents about any concerns they may have regarding anti-social behaviour and officers are working with partner agencies to help reduce incidents.
“Using powers such as a dispersal order helps to send out a clear message that such nuisance behaviour will not be tolerated. We will continue to tackle these issues when reported to reduce any negative impact they might bring to the community.”
