A targeted police operation to combat persistent antisocial behaviour at a Ramsgate park has led to the dispersal of several teenagers and the seizure of multiple bicycles.
Officers from Kent Police took action at Ellington Park on Thursday 23 July following a wave of complaints from local residents and park users between May and July 2026. Reports detailed repeated incidents of bicycles being ridden in an unsafe and threatening manner, including groups cycling at high speed dangerously close to pedestrians.
It was reported the disruptive behaviour extended beyond dangerous cycling. Gatherings of teenagers were said to be directing verbal abuse at park staff and visitors, climbing onto the park’s bandstand roof, and causing criminal damage to facilities at the on-site café.
In response to the escalating issues, a joint team of plain-clothed officers and uniformed patrols were deployed to the park. Police utilised dispersal order legislation to order eight suspected troublemakers to leave the vicinity immediately. All eight individuals were issued Acceptable Behaviour Agreements to curb future misconduct. In addition to the dispersal orders, officers seized eight bicycles linked to the disruptive incidents. Kent Police continue to monitor the area to ensure Ellington Park remains a safe space for the local community.
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.’