A targeted policing operation over one of the year’s busiest shopping weekends led to multiple arrests, drug seizures, and the enforcement of a dispersal zone in Sittingbourne town centre.
Increased patrols were visible across the High Street and local retail parks from Friday through Sunday. The operation, designed to tackle antisocial behaviour and retail crime, coincided with the final holiday shopping rush and to combat rising concerns over public nuisance, authorities implemented a dispersal order effective from Friday afternoon until Sunday evening. This granted officers the power to move individuals out of the town centre to prevent disruption.
During the weekend two individuals were formally ordered to leave the area due to their conduct, alcohol and a bicycle were confiscated by patrolling officers and several other people were issued formal warnings regarding their behaviour.
A joint effort between local police and transport authorities focused on the town’s railway station to intercept individuals entering the area to commit crime. This ‘gatekeeper’ strategy resulted in 15 stop-and-search procedures. The station patrols led to two significant detentions in which a 30-year-old resident of Sheerness was stopped on Friday and charged with four counts of shoplifting. They were held in custody pending a magistrates’ court appearance and a Minster-on-Sea resident was also detained after a fare evasion check revealed an outstanding warrant for breaching a court order.
Stop-and-search activity uncovered illegal substances on four separate individuals. Officers seized quantities of cannabis and cocaine, with those involved receiving community resolutions and in addition to enforcement, the weekend included a focus on public safety within the night-time economy. Officers distributed anti-spiking kits to women arriving by train, aiming to bolster security for those visiting local bars and restaurants.
Chief Inspector Vanessa Foster said:
‘This weekend has seen excellent results, offering us several opportunities to target those who are intent on crime or anti-social behaviour, whilst reassuring the local community. This enforcement took place due to concerns raised by local people of action and will continue on subsequent weekends.’