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Broadstairs was the scene of significant antisocial behaviour over the past weekend, prompting Kent Police to implement a dispersal order and exercise special stop-and-search powers in a bid to quell the unrest.
Policing authorities have confirmed several arrests were made, with investigations ongoing into further incidents, including criminal damage and a large seafront disturbance.
The weekend’s disruptions, which included under-age street drinking, fighting, and aggressive behaviour towards local shop and restaurant staff, led Kent Police to take decisive action. A dispersal order was swiftly put in place, covering key areas of the town centre and beaches, aiming to break up gatherings and prevent further trouble.
In a more serious move, officers were also granted additional authority under Section 60 of the Public Order Act to stop and search individuals. This power was utilized in response to the escalating nature of the reported incidents.
The proactive policing measures resulted in the arrest and charging of a 17-year-old boy for assaulting a police officer. He has been released on bail and is scheduled to appear at Maidstone Youth Court at a later date.
Additionally, four other teenagers—two 16-year-old boys, a 17-year-old boy, and a 15-year-old girl—were arrested on suspicion of offences related to public order, assault, and criminal damage. They have all been released on bail as enquiries continue. A number of other individuals were spoken to by officers and directed to leave the area for public safety.
Kent Police have confirmed that high-visibility patrols will be maintained in Broadstairs in the coming days as they continue to investigate the weekend’s events. This includes probing criminal damage inflicted upon a local business premises and a significant disturbance that occurred on the seafront. Officers are actively reviewing video footage posted online in an effort to identify those responsible for the disorder.
Chief Inspector Ian Swallow said:
‘Broadstairs is a beautiful place for local residents and visitors, and we are determined to keep it that way.
‘That is why, in response to the weekend’s incidents, we made a number of arrests and brought in dispersal orders to break up the large groups of youths causing issues last week.
‘We will continue to investigate the incidents to bring offenders to justice and we are working to ensure extra patrols are in the area over the summer to deter further incidents in future.’