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SITTINGBOURNE – Authorities have officially triggered a “crackdown” zone across the heart of Sittingbourne, granting officers sweeping powers to intercept and remove individuals suspected of fuelling a recent surge in anti-social behaviour.
Starting at 4:00 PM yesterday, Monday, 16 February 2026, the town centre has been placed under a strict Dispersal Order. For the next 48 hours, the streets will be heavily patrolled as Kent Police move to “reclaim” public spaces from those causing a nuisance.
The “No-Nonsense” Zone
The enforcement zone creates a tactical perimeter around the town’s most frequented hubs. If you are in these areas, expect a high-visibility police presence:
- The Transit Hubs: Sittingbourne Train Station and London Road.
- Retail & Leisure: Sittingbourne Retail Park and the Mill Way Skate Park.
- Green Spaces: Albany Park Recreation Ground.
- The High Streets: East Street, St Paul’s Street, and Park Road.
Escalated Enforcement
This isn’t just a request to “move along.” Under the emergency order, officers have the legal muscle to:
- Direct Dispersal: Order any individual or group to leave the area immediately.
- Enforce Banished Returns: Arrest anyone who defies the order by returning to the zone within the 48-hour window.
- Seize Property: Confiscate bikes or vehicles being used in a dangerous or anti-social manner.
Inspector Julia Bassindale said:
‘We are committed to ensuring residents and visitors feel safe when out and about and we will not tolerate intimidating or disorderly 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.’
Anybody who wishes to report instances of antisocial behaviour should report it online via the Kent Police website. If a crime is in progress, please don’t hesitate to call 999.