Police continue to tackle antisocial behaviour in Thanet

Dispersal orders were active in Thanet at the weekend as part of Kent Police’s ongoing commitment to deter antisocial behaviour.

The Section 34 dispersal orders in Broadstairs, Margate and Ramsgate lasted for 48 hours and began at 2pm on Friday 11 July 2025. The orders, coupled with high-visibility patrols, are part of the continued response to concerns raised regarding underage street drinking, and aggressive behaviour towards staff at shops and restaurants. Officers from neighbourhood policing teams were on hand to quickly identify and tackle any nuisance behaviour.

Those identified were ordered to leave the local area and told that they could not return for 24 hours, or they would risk being arrested.

As a result, 23 dispersals were completed across Thanet whilst the orders were active. In addition, there were two arrests, and two stop searches completed:

• A 15-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of assault of a shopkeeper in Broadstairs. A 17-year-old boy was also arrested at the scene for obstruction and assault on an officer. The large group they were with was dispersed, and both boys were released from custody the same day and issued with community resolutions.
• Officers were alerted to a suspicious car in Leopold Street, Ramsgate, on Saturday 12 July. The driver was not appropriately insured so the vehicle was seized. Enquiries revealed that the occupant was outstanding for a £2000 theft in Essex and he was subsequently arrested.
• Officers conducted a stop and search of a male on Marine Terrace, Margate on Friday 11 July. The male had a small quantity of cannabis in his possession. This was seized and he was issued with a community resolution.
• Alcohol was seized from three teenagers in Broadstairs who were cooperative.

Over the last three weeks, officers have completed a total of 125 dispersals.

• 58 in Broadstairs
• 56 in Margate
• 10 in Ramsgate

The increased police presence in these areas has also led to a number of additional results across three weeks, including:

• 30 stop searches
• 13 community resolutions issued
• Eight alcohol seizures
• Five community protection warnings issued
• Four e-scooter seizures
• Three traffic offence reports issued

Superintendent Dan Carter said:

‘The decision to continue the dispersal orders in Thanet has been made to ensure that our coastline remains a safe place, and they are one of the several tools we’re using to deal swiftly with antisocial behaviour as we move further into summer. Orders remain in constant review and will be utilised as needed. ‘I am continually grateful to residents and businesses for their support and feedback. By working closely with the community to identify their concerns, it means we can tackle those issues head on. ‘I would also urge parents to speak to their children about the impact that antisocial behaviour can have on others. Antisocial behaviour can have serious consequences not only for victims, but for young people themselves, who may face police action or prosecution. ‘Anyone who witnesses any antisocial behaviour taking place, is urged to report it to Kent Police by dialling 999 if a crime is ongoing or life is in danger, or by online report via the Kent Police website.’