More than 200 'troublemakers' dispersed in two months

More than 200 "troublemakers" have been dispersed from beaches in Thanet in the past two months, Kent Police say.

The force said 219 dispersal orders were recorded across Broadstairs, Margate and Ramsgate between 1 May and 1 July, after officers were granted additional powers to move on anyone suspected of committing an offence.

As part of efforts to combat anti-social behaviour, a year-round blanket ban on the consumption of alcohol in Margate and Ramsgate town centres has been introduced by Thanet District Council.

A dispersal order covering areas of Thanet began at 14:00 BST on Friday and covers most of the weekend, police said.

During warm weather, visitors often flock to the East Kent coast.

Many take the train, with Kent Police saying it is working with Southeastern andBritish Transport Police to tackle behaviour on trains and at stations.

Fourteen community protection warnings were issued in the two-month period and 17 home visits to reported offenders took place, with 42 letters sent to households as part of the clampdown on nuisance behaviour.

Officers are also able to seize items such as loud music equipment if they are used in a manner deemed to be anti-social.

Police say they have also delivered presentations to more than 1,200 students through community engagement with schools to inform young people about the risks of becoming criminalised through anti-social behaviour.

Ch Insp Ian Swallow said: "Our enforcement action and work in the local community is driving results and we will continue to keep measures in place to ensure those spending the summer in Thanet can enjoy themselves safely."

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