Dispersal powers used and arrests made as part of Thanet ASB crackdown

Swift action by Kent Police saw officers make 6 arrests and move on nearly 40 people across Thanet during the bank holiday weekend.

As part of the continued crackdown on antisocial behaviour across the district, Section 34 dispersal orders were put in place across Broadstairs, Margate and Ramsgate.

The orders were activated between Friday 22 and Sunday 24 May as part of an ongoing response to address antisocial behaviour concerns, such as underage street drinking and criminal damage.

Due to the expected increase in visitors over the bank holiday weekend, Kent Police deployed additional patrols to ensure any issues were quickly contained and offenders were appropriately dealt with.

During the weekend thousands of sunseekers visited Viking Bay in Broadstairs and officers made several arrests, moved on multiple people following reports of antisocial behaviour and seized alcohol from underage drinkers.

During the weekend officers arrested people for various reasons. These arrests included one teenager being arrested in Broadstairs for assaulting an emergency worker and for possession of cannabis, another was arrested for being drunk and disorderly, and a third was arrested for breaching a dispersal order.

In Margate one person was arrested for criminal damage and assault, another was arrested in connection with a racially/religiously aggravated public order incident, and another person was arrested for an outstanding warrant.

Officers also made multiple arrests following a report of a disturbance at McDonald’s in Margate High Street on Sunday 24 May.

As well as multiple people being dispersed and several being arrested, during the bank holiday local patrols also:

• Seized music speakers, more than 50 Nitrous Oxide canisters and multiple crates of beer and spirits
• Carried out 10 stop searches, which included finding one person in possession of cannabis
• Issued two traffic offence reports
• Reunited four children with their parents

Chief Inspector Ian Swallow said: ‘We knew there would be thousands of visitors across Thanet during the bank holiday weekend and had plans in place to tackle any possible antisocial behaviour head-on. The vast majority of those visitors were respectful and enjoyed their time, however there will always be pockets of incidents. ‘Officers were out in the community meeting and talking to residents, visitors and business owners and we made sure that patrols were deployed across Thanet to ensure that officers were nearby to deal with any disruption that took place. ‘Our plans ensured that crime and disorder was kept to an absolute minimum which is shown by the low number of arrests, and when incidents did arise officers were able to quickly identify those involved. As part of these plans we also worked closely with local councils, businesses and other key organisations to ensure there was a joined-up approach. ‘Kent Police is committed to tackling antisocial behaviour across the county and people who go out of their way to cause issues will be arrested and will face criminal charges if appropriate.’