Nuisance bikes seized in operation to tackle antisocial behaviour in Ramsgate

An operation to tackle antisocial behaviour incidents at a Ramsgate park has resulted in several teenagers being dispersed and a number of bikes being seized.

Between May and July 2026, Kent Police received multiple reports of antisocial behaviour at Ellington Park, including bicycles being ridden in an unsafe and threatening manner.

Groups of teenagers who had gathered in the park were reported to have been verbally abusive towards staff and members of the public, climbed onto a bandstand roof, and used their bikes in such a way to make other park users feel threatened – including cycling at high speed past pedestrians. Damage was further reported to park facilities at an on-site café.

Operation

Plain clothed officers and uniformed patrols attended the location on Thursday 23 July and dispersal order legislation was used to order eight suspected troublemakers to leave the area, whilst issuing them all Acceptable Behaviour Agreements. Eight bicycles were also seized.

Thanet Community Safety Unit Inspector Rich Batten said:

‘We are fortunate to have some lovely parks in Thanet, which are appreciated by residents and visitors alike and which staff and community groups work hard to keep safe and enjoyable for everyone. ‘We absolutely will not tolerate the actions of those whose appalling behaviour would spoil these beautiful spaces for the vast majority of people, who behave courteously and respectfully towards others. ‘Under dispersal order legislation, as well as ordering anyone suspected of antisocial behaviour to leave the area, officers are able to seize items suspected of being used in an antisocial manner, including bicycles. Anyone riding a bike responsibly is welcome to do so. ‘We will continue our enforcement activity and I would urge anyone experiencing issues to report incidents to us promptly, to ensure we can deliver a robust and proportionate response.’