In a stunning display of coordinated police action, local authorities have seized 15 bicycles and dispersed dozens of youths in a dramatic crackdown on a wave of antisocial behaviour that has been plaguing the area. The operation, which unfolded on Saturday afternoon, saw officers descend on Birchington, Westgate, and Margate, bringing an end to what residents are calling a reign of two-wheeled terror.
For weeks, Thanet residents had been subjected to the brazen and reckless antics of large groups of teenagers on bicycles, who reportedly obstructed traffic, endangered pedestrians, and hurled abuse at concerned citizens. The sheer scale of the nuisance, with groups numbering up to 20 riders, had created a climate of fear and frustration.
The tipping point came on Saturday, August 9th, 2025, when a flurry of calls from the public prompted a swift and decisive response from Kent Police. Neighbourhood officers, already on high alert, raced to the scene, determined to put an end to the chaos. Parents and guardians of all of the riders were contacted and made aware of the issues they were causing, and the children were made to leave the area or risk arrest if seen again.
Sergeant Jim Woodward said: ‘We thank everyone who reported the issues when they arose, as it enabled officers to quickly intervene, identify those responsible, and take steps to disrupt their behaviour. By weaving in and out of traffic, pulling wheelies in front of cars and people, and generally disregarding the highway code, it can cause a very serious safety concern for all road users. The repercussions could be far-reaching and we urge young people to socialise and cycle responsibly.’