Viking Bay, Broadstairs Image SCOPIX
THANET – Swift action by Kent Police saw officers make six arrests and move on nearly 40 people across Thanet during the bank holiday weekend. As part of a 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 concerns such as underage street drinking and criminal damage. Due to an expected increase in visitors over the holiday weekend, Kent Police deployed additional patrols to ensure any issues were quickly contained and offenders were appropriately dealt with.
Arrests were made across the district for various offences. In Broadstairs, one teenager was arrested for assaulting an emergency worker and for possession of cannabis, another was detained for being drunk and disorderly, and a third was arrested for breaching a dispersal order. Meanwhile, in Margate, one person was arrested for criminal damage and assault, another was held in connection with a racially or religiously aggravated public order incident, and a third was detained on an outstanding warrant. Officers also made multiple arrests following reports of a disturbance at McDonald’s in Margate High Street on Sunday 24 May.
In addition to the arrests and dispersals, local patrols seized music speakers, more than 50 nitrous oxide canisters, and multiple crates of beer and spirits. Officers also carried out 10 stop searches—which included finding one person in possession of cannabis—issued two traffic offence reports, and successfully 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.’