Dispersal orders have been put in place across Thanet’s town centres and seafronts as part of Kent Police’s commitment to deter antisocial behaviour.
The Section 34 dispersal orders became active in Ramsgate, Margate, and Westgate and Westwood from 2pm today (June 23).
An order covering Broadstairs town centre and seafront started earlier in the day at 11am and has already resulted in more than 15 people being dispersed. All orders will remain in place for 48 hours.
During that time, officers will have enhanced powers to move on people of any age above 10, who are seen to be carrying out nuisance behaviour. 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. Those found with items suspected of being used to cause nuisance behaviour, such as bicycles or music speakers, will also be asked to surrender them for the duration of the order.
The orders, coupled with high-visibility patrols, are part of the robust plans being carried out by neighbourhood policing teams across the county, in response to an expected increase in reports of antisocial behaviour between June and September, when there are traditionally higher number of visitors to beaches, parks and town centre locations.
I am not sure regarding dispersal orders, maintaining law and order should be the police’s duty every day not just in special circumstances. It should be business as usual. The powers obtained through the order, should be available all time for all locations across the country.