Margate Police Station
Kent Police have seized four bicycles and dispersed 11 individuals in Thanet over the weekend following multiple reports of antisocial behaviour, primarily involving youths on bicycles causing disturbances at a local shopping area.
On Saturday, July 26, officers responded to calls regarding a group of young people on bikes in the Westwood Road area of Broadstairs, who were reportedly cycling into oncoming traffic near car park entrances and performing wheelies close to pedestrians. One teenager allegedly attempted to cycle into an officer and was subsequently stopped, had their details taken, and was moved on with the group. In response to the escalating issues, a Section 34 dispersal order was implemented, granting officers enhanced powers to formally remove individuals causing problems from the area for up to 48 hours. This order applies to anyone over the age of 10, with re-entry into the designated area risking arrest.
High-visibility foot patrols were deployed to the Broadstairs area to reassure the public and on Saturday evening police dispersed five teenagers and confiscated two bicycles linked to nuisance behaviour. On Sunday, July 27, an additional six teenagers were dispersed, and two more bicycles were seized.
Beyond the cycling incidents, local officers continued their efforts to disrupt antisocial behaviour across Thanet’s town centers and seafronts. On Friday evening, police recovered a stolen e-scooter from a boy involved in an altercation and returned him to his parents. Three other individuals were issued dispersal notices in connection with the incident. In Ramsgate, four young people were dispersed due to their behaviour. Meanwhile, in Marine Parade, Margate, a man was arrested on Saturday on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly and resisting arrest after becoming aggressive and causing a disturbance when asked to move on by an officer.
Thanet Inspector Richard Batten said:
‘Bicycles have been seized and officers have also spoken to those responsible, as well as their parents, about their actions. Our aim is not to stop children riding their bikes during the summer months, but there are increased risks when people decide to cycle around busy shopping areas, approaching cars and pedestrians, as it poses a risk to others as well as their own safety. There are other locations in Thanet which are safer surroundings for that activity. Action will be taken against anyone found to be carrying out nuisance behaviour and we hope that people do feel confident that we are responding when they report concerns regarding antisocial behaviour.’