Dispersal orders in place across Thanet this week

Dispersal orders have been put in place across Thanet’s town centres and seafronts as part of Kent Police’s ongoing commitment to deter antisocial behaviour.

Patrols will be out to remind people to socialise responsibly or face action taken against them.

The Section 34 dispersal orders became active in Ramsgate, Margate, and Westgate, as well as the Westwood area of Broadstairs, from 2pm on Tuesday 23 June 2026.

An order covering Broadstairs town centre and seafront started earlier in the day at 11am and has already resulted in more than 15 people being dispersed. All orders will remain in place for 48 hours.

Additional powers

During that time, officers will have enhanced powers to move people of any age above 10, who are seen to be carrying out nuisance behaviour, away from the area. If they return within a certain time limit, they risk arrest and further police action.

Anyone under 18 can also expect to have alcohol confiscated from them if found. Those found with items suspected of being used to cause nuisance behaviour, such as bicycles or music speakers, will also be asked to surrender them for the duration of the order.

The orders, coupled with high-visibility patrols, are part of the robust plans being carried out by neighbourhood policing teams across the county, in response to an expected increase in reports of antisocial behaviour between June and September, when there are traditionally higher number of visitors to beaches, parks and town centre locations.