Police have moved to “lock down” town centres across Swale this New Year’s Eve, granting officers sweeping extra powers to banish troublemakers and seize vehicles in a major anti-crime blitz.
The robust measures, known as Dispersal Orders, are now active across Sheerness, Sittingbourne, and Faversham. Designed to safeguard the night-time economy, the orders remain in effect from 4:00 PM today until 4:00 PM on New Year’s Day.
Under the emergency legislation, officers have the authority to order anyone causing a nuisance to leave the designated zones immediately. Those who attempt to return face instant arrest. The crackdown doesn’t stop at foot patrols; any cars or motorcycles found being driven in an antisocial or dangerous manner will be summarily seized by the force. Furthermore, the activation of these orders automatically triggers enhanced stop and search powers for officers on the ground.
The restrictions cover the heart of Swale’s most populated areas:
- Sheerness: Encompassing the High Street, Broadway, and the Tesco site, stretching to the Bridge Road roundabouts.
- Sittingbourne: A wide net covering the town centre between the Retail Park, Dover Street, and the Avenue of Remembrance.
- Faversham: Stretching from the Quay to the railway station, bordered by Newtown and South Roads.
Chief Inspector Vanessa Foster said:
‘We are committed to ensuring residents and visitors feel safe when out and about and we will not tolerate intimidating or illegal behaviour. Officers will be patrolling the area and anyone being disorderly or found causing a nuisance will be required to leave. Those who choose to return once dispersed can expect to be detained. We hope everyone has fun tonight and we’re putting these orders in place to make sure all those celebrating have an enjoyable and safe time out in our town centres.’