Kent Police in Medway and Medway Council are introducing a dispersal zone in Chatham, allowing officers to move on groups if two or more people if they have caused, or are likely to cause, local people to feel intimidated, harassed, alarmed or distressed.

The zone has been introduced after local residents raised concerns about groups of people causing anti-social behaviour in the area and will run between 20 November and 20 December.

Action on your concerns 

Inspector Noel Stanley, who is responsible for neighbourhood policing in Chatham, said: ‘We’ve been listening to residents who live in Chatham Central and issues of anti-social behaviour are their number one concern.  We are committed to taking action on reducing crime in Chatham and this dispersal zone will help that considerably.

‘We will move groups on if we believe that they have been or are likely to cause anti-social behaviour.  We can also ensure that they do not return for anything up to 24 hours. Under certain conditions we are also able to take home any under 16s who we feel may be vulnerable or at risk.

‘There is a dedicated neighbourhood policing team for Chatham Central who are able to enforce this zone and they have been supported by the neighbourhood task team. Anti social behaviour affects people’s lives and this action highlights how we are supporting our local communities.’

The zone

The dispersal zone is contained within the borders of City Way, High Street, Medway Street, Best Street, Chatham Hill, Rainham Road, Beacon Hill, Magpie Hall Road, The Ridgeway and Horsted Way, Chatham.

Reducing anti-social behaviour

Inspector Stanley added: ‘I’ve been involved in dispersal zones in the past and they really do work.  This initiative isn’t just about moving people into another area but it is about breaking up groups who are causing anti social behaviour. 

'We are expecting reductions in anti social behaviour and criminal damage and this action sends a clear message that this kind of behaviour will not be tolerated.’

Posted on: 12 November 2009