Kent Police have launched a targeted summer operation to tackle antisocial behaviour across the county following a surge of visitors during the recent May heatwave.
Neighbourhood policing teams are deploying high-visibility patrols, targeted operations, and dispersal orders to minimise disruption between June and September, a period traditionally associated with increased reports in town centres, parks, and coastal areas.
The robust measures follow an intense weekend of enforcement in Margate and Broadstairs from 29 to 31 May, where officers issued 52 dispersal notices and made eight arrests for public order offences and drug supply. Police reported that the early interventions successfully maintained calm and received positive feedback from local residents and businesses.
Superintendent Rob Marsh, Head of Strategic Prevention, said:
‘Tackling antisocial behaviour is a year-round commitment for Kent Police but the summer months present unique challenges that we always plan for in advance to ensure the people responsible are stopped in their tracks.Whilst our officers cannot be everywhere at all times of the day and night, we can predict where our officers are likely to be needed the most and ensure they are on hand to respond quickly to incidents when they occur. We can and will also carry out proactive operations targeting the issues we know matter most to local people such as abusive street drinkers, the use of catapults to damage property and wildlife, and the riding of nuisance vehicles including e-scooters.
‘I also want to assure people who do not live in coastal areas that we take antisocial behaviour committed in all other parts of Kent just as seriously whether it be at parks, swimming pools, tourist attractions, town centres or anywhere else that may be attractive destinations to those intent on causing disruption.‘Officers from across the county are well prepared to help prevent and respond to incidents, such as in Gravesend where they have an operation targeting the use of e-scooters planned, in Sevenoaks where they are liaising with the local council ahead of the planned introduction of a Public Spaces Protection Order for the Riverside area, and in Chatham where they recently launched a new ‘Clear, Hold, Build’ initiative designed to tackle those individuals most responsible for committing crime and antisocial behaviour.’
‘The vast majority of people who go out to enjoy the warm weather do so responsibly. For the minority of troublemakers who think it is OK to start fights, damage people’s property or cause a nuisance to local residents or business owners, rest assured that you will be dealt with appropriately.‘In the last financial year we used a total of 1,090 preventative orders across Kent including 227 dispersal orders, 13 property closures and 562 Community Protection Warnings and Notices, and we will not hesitate to do so again to help us tackle the troublemakers this summer. There is no excuse for committing antisocial behaviour and our officers will act quickly to put a stop to anyone who does to ensure everyone else can enjoy their summer the way it is meant to be enjoyed.’