Four people have been arrested as part of an ongoing clampdown on anti-social behaviour at Holborough Lakes, Snodland.
Officers made the arrests whilst enforcing a dispersal order, which was put in place between Friday 16 and Sunday 18 June following heightened concerns from residents over disorderly and abusive behaviour.
The latest enforcement action forms part of Kent Police’s Safer Summer initiative, which sees officers across the county taking part in a range of operations and engagement events to help tackle the issues affecting each community.
On the Friday evening, patrolling officers warned and attempted to engage with several young people in the area.
Officers arrested three teenagers who ignored instructions to leave. They were either interviewed with their parents at the scene or arrangements were made for visits at their homes in the presence of adults.
A 17-year-old girl was also arrested that evening, in connection with allegations she had been throwing stones at people using the lake, as well as public order offences. She was later granted conditional bail, pending further enquires, to return to a police station on 16 September.
Inspector Terry Newman of the Tonbridge Community Safety Unit said: ‘We are determined to do all we can to ensure that both residents and visitors can enjoy this area without having to worry about noise, littering, and abusive and threatening behaviour caused by a minority of people.
‘I have personally spoken to residents and people visiting the lakes, as well as the young people involved and our officers will continue to use a range of tools and powers over the coming weeks. This will include visiting the homes of those causing problems, or even their schools to reinforce the message.
Insp Newman added: ‘We also remain focused on the long-term solutions to the issues which really can affect the quality of life for those living here. Part of this focus involves working closely with the local authority and engaging with the residents’ association to identify and take effective measures against those who persistently offend.
‘Action from the police is only one part of the solution though, and it is crucial that all stakeholders, including the landowner responsible for the lake and the surrounding communal areas, play their role to address the root causes of crime and ASB affecting this location.’
Search for #SaferSummer on Twitter for updates on activity happening across the county.