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Officers in Thanet are warning offenders that anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated after recent cases in Broadstairs.
At around 7pm on Sunday 28 July 2024, Kent Police received a report that a group of young people had been causing a disturbance in Pierremont Park in Broadstairs. Neighbourhood officers went to the scene and due to reports of nuisance behaviour and the misuse of alcohol, a section 34 dispersal order was put in place for 48 hours.
Patrols worked to clear the area and reduce the risk of further anti-social behaviour, sending many of the group home and away from public spaces.
A 14-year-old girl from Margate was arrested on suspicion of assault after it was reported a boy had been assaulted and two officers were also kicked during the incident. She has been released on bail pending further enquiries. Police dispersed a further six teenagers away from the area. Their details were taken and parents were made aware of the decision and informed that their child could risk arrest if they returned to the area within 24 hours.
A second 48-hour dispersal order is currently in place covering the town including the beaches, following a report of a disturbance shortly before 4pm on Tuesday 30 July. Officers went to Viking Bay where three people reported being assaulted. One man was treated at the scene for an injury. Enquiries into the circumstances are ongoing.
Inspector Jim Woodward said:
‘As the summer holidays continue, we ask parents and guardians to remain vigilant about where their children are and what they are getting up to.
‘While we accept that anti-social behaviour is only carried out by a small minority, such actions including threatening behaviour, physical assaults and criminal damage can still have a noticeable impact on the wider public.
‘Additional patrols will be out and about this week while the dispersal order continues, and officers will take action against anyone found to be responsible for these incidents as anti-social behaviour won’t be tolerated.
‘Any residents who have concerns about anti-social behaviour should report concerns via the Kent Police website (Or call 999 if a crime is in progress).’