Kent Police vows to tackle summer's antisocial troublemakers 'head-on'

Kent Police has outlined how it intends to tackle antisocial behaviour head-on this summer. The move follows a bank holiday heatwave in which Broadstairs seafront saw large groups and several arrests, with dispersal orders issued in Broadstairs, Margate, and Ramsgate. Dozens were moved on after complaints from local businesses, and fights, drugs, theft, and underage alcohol seizures were reported. Supt Rob Marsh, head of strategic prevention, said residents can rest assured the minority causing trouble will be stopped in their tracks. The force will run proactive operations across the county aimed at abusive street drinkers, e-scooters, and the use of catapults against property and wildlife. Kent Police reported 10,225 antisocial-behaviour incidents last summer, dominated by nuisance gatherings (3,253), drunken or rowdy behaviour (2,130), and nuisance vehicles (1,941). Marsh noted that across Kent, 1,090 preventative orders were used in the last financial year, including 227 dispersals, 13 property closures, and 562 community-protection warnings and notices. He also urged parents to play a role, saying knowing what their children are doing would help solve the issues, while East Thanet MP Polly Billington pressed Southeastern Rail to install ticket barriers at Broadstairs station. The force will partner with the rail operator and British Transport Police to head off trouble before it escalates.