Dispersal orders will be in place in Thanet and continued high-visibility patrols will be taking place as part of Kent Police’s ongoing commitment to deter antisocial behaviour.
In Broadstairs dispersal orders have been used throughout the week in response to incidents of underage street drinking, fighting and aggressive behaviour towards staff at shops and restaurants which were reported between Thursday 19 June and Saturday 21 June 2025. The additional 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 additional police action.
Last weekend officers made five arrests including one teenager charged with assaulting an officer and enquiries to identify additional suspected offenders remains ongoing. The parents of five teenagers have also been spoken to and formal warnings about antisocial behaviour have been given to the young people. One girl has also received a community protection warning, with strict conditions to prevent her carrying out further bad behaviour.
A quantity of alcohol has been seized from underage drinkers by police during patrols this week and 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.
The dispersal orders have been introduced in Margate and Ramsgate for this weekend, as well as renewed for Broadstairs, and will be in place through to the afternoon of Sunday 29 June. Officers will be monitoring the situation throughout the weekend and the dispersal orders, which cover large areas including the town centres and beaches, will be renewed or introduced to other areas where necessary.
District Commander for Thanet, Chief Inspector Ian Swallow said:
‘The majority of people who live or visit Thanet do so without causing any issues. But while it may be a small number of offenders, we understand the impact their bad behaviour can have on the community and it will not be tolerated.
‘We urge parents to speak to their children and remind them of the importance of socialising sensibly. We’ve confiscated alcohol from children this week and we are also visiting parents to speak about their child’s behaviour as part of our ongoing enquiries.
‘As well as dispersal orders in place, people will also see an increased presence by police officers as they carry out high-visibility patrolling.
‘We hope people feel reassured that Kent Police and its partners are doing all we can to keep Thanet a safe place to be, and we urge anyone who witnesses any crime and disorder to report it.’