Dispersal order in place in Chatham and Rochester

A dispersal order has been put in place for two Medway towns following reports of antisocial behaviour involving young people in Chatham town centre.

The area affected by the order encompasses Chatham and Rochester’s town centres and includes Fort Pitt Gardens, Jackson’s Field and Victoria Gardens. It is in place until 11.15am on Sunday 18 October 2026. 

It gives officers additional powers to move on anyone causing a nuisance and, if necessary, arrest those who subsequently return to the area.

Arrests

This dispersal order follows a disturbance involving a large number of young people on Chatham High Street at around 4.25pm on Thursday 8 October 2026.

Eight teenagers have since been arrested in connection with the incident, with three released on conditional bail and the other 5, who were arrested on Friday 16 October, remaining in custody.

Officers are still urging anyone with information or footage of the incident to call 01634 792209, quoting reference 46/170982/26.