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Police dispersed 24 people and seized alcohol from underage individuals on Wednesday night as they responded to reports of antisocial behaviour in Broadstairs.
Officers were patrolling the town as part of ongoing summer operations when they were called to a disturbance involving a group of young people in the Harbour Street area. Using an existing dispersal order, police quickly identified those causing trouble and ordered them to leave the area immediately.
The dispersal order, which went into effect at 4pm on Wednesday, gave police the authority to tell people to leave the area for 48 hours. Anyone who returned after being ordered to leave would be arrested. Police took down the details of those who were dispersed and also conducted three searches. Two people were given community resolutions after cannabis was found and seized. Police also worked with CCTV operators and partner agencies to ensure everyone left the area safely. The order remained in place until Friday, August 29, and may be renewed if necessary.
Chief Inspector Ian Swallow said:
‘From the start of the summer, I have been clear that antisocial behaviour will not be tolerated and officers will aim to disrupt anyone who thinks they can cause upset to the community. The majority of people who visit Broadstairs are able to do so responsibly and without causing offence to others. But those who think they can come to the town or beach and make a nuisance of themselves have found out that their behaviour is not welcome here and that action is taken against them.’