Police use dispersal powers 125 times in three weeks to prevent antisocial behaviour in Thanet towns

Police officers in Thanet have used dispersal order powers some 125 times over the past three weeks.

Dispersals were carried out 58 times in Broadstairs, 56 in Margate and 10 times in Ramsgate.

Across the same period officers have carried out 30 stop and searches; issued 13  community resolutions; seized alcohol eight times; issued five community protection orders; seized four e-scooters and issued three traffic offence reports.

The latest Section 34 dispersal orders in Broadstairs, Margate and Ramsgate lasted for 48 hours and began at 2pm on Friday 11 July. The orders, coupled with high-visibility patrols, are part of the continued response to concerns over underage street drinking, and aggressive behaviour towards staff at shops and restaurants. Officers from neighbourhood policing teams were on hand to quickly identify and tackle any nuisance behaviour.

The additional policing power ensures people of any age above 10, who are seen to be carrying out nuisance behaviour, can be moved away from the area. If they return within a certain time limit, they risk arrest and further police action.

Anyone under 18 can also expect to have alcohol confiscated from them if found.

Officers are working with partner agencies including British Transport Police, Thanet District Council and police teams in other towns across Kent, to reduce the risk of anyone travelling to Thanet to carry out violence and disorder.

Last weekend 23 dispersals were completed across Thanet, there were two arrests, and two stop searches completed:

A 15-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of assault of a shopkeeper in Broadstairs. A 17-year-old boy was also arrested at the scene for obstruction and assault on an officer. The large group he was with was dispersed, and both boys were released from custody the same day and issued with community resolutions.

Officers were also alerted to a car in Leopold Street, Ramsgate, on Saturday 12 July where the driver was not appropriately insured so the vehicle was seized. Enquiries revealed  the occupant was outstanding for a £2000 theft in Essex and he was subsequently arrested.

Officers conducted a stop and search of a male in Marine Terrace, Margate on Friday 11 July. The male had a small quantity of cannabis in his possession. This was seized and he was issued with a community resolution.

Alcohol was seized from three teenagers in Broadstairs. The teens were cooperative, police say.

Superintendent Dan Carter said: “The decision to continue the dispersal orders in Thanet has been made to ensure that our coastline remains a safe place, and they are one of the several tools we’re using to deal swiftly with antisocial behaviour as we move further into summer. Orders remain in constant review and will be utilised as needed.

“I am continually grateful to residents and businesses for their support and feedback. By working closely with the community to identify their concerns, it means we can tackle those issues head on.

“I would also urge parents to speak to their children about the impact that antisocial behaviour can have on others. Antisocial behaviour can have serious consequences not only for victims, but for young people themselves, who may face police action or prosecution.

“Anyone who witnesses any antisocial behaviour taking place, is urged to report it to Kent Police by dialling 999 if a crime is ongoing or life is in danger, or by online report via the Kent Police website.”