Police to tackle summer troublemakers 'head-on'

Kent Police has outlined how it intends to tackle antisocial behaviour "head-on" this summer.

It comes after last month's bank holiday heatwave saw "intimidating" large groups gathering on the seafront in Broadstairs, along with a number of arrests being made and dispersal orders introduced in the town, as well as in Margate and Ramsgate.

Dozens of people had to be moved on following complaints from local businesses, with fights breaking out, drug and theft issues and alcohol being seized from underage drinkers.

Supt Rob Marsh, head of strategic prevention, said residents could "rest assured" that the "minority of troublemakers" would be "stopped in their tracks".

He added that neighbourhood policing teams from across the county had been preparing for an expected increase in antisocial behaviour reports between June and September - traditionally a time for higher numbers of visitors to beaches, parks and town centres.

"Whilst our officers cannot be everywhere at all times of the day and night, we can predict where our officers are likely to be most needed to respond quickly," said Marsh.

"We will also carry out proactive operations in all parts of Kent targeting the issues we know matter most to local people, such as abusive street drinkers, e-scooters and the use of catapults to damage property and wildlife."

Last summer (June to August 2025) the force said it received 10,225 reports relating to antisocial behaviour, including multiple reports for the same incidents.

The majority related to nuisance gatherings (3,253), followed by drunken or rowdy behaviour (2,130) and nuisance vehicles (1,941).

"In the last financial year we used a total of 1,090 preventative orders across Kent, including 227 dispersals, 13 property closures and 562 community protection warnings and notices," said Marsh.

"And we will not hesitate to do so again to help us tackle problems this summer."

Ch Insp Ian Swallow, district commander for Thanet, said help from parents - such as knowing what their children were up to and explaining the consequences of their actions - would also "go a long way to solving the issues".

Meanwhile, with many of last year's incidents said to have been caused by those travelling unchecked into the area by train, East Thanet MP Polly Billington called on Southeastern Rail to introduce ticket barriers at its Broadstairs station.

She called the move "a simple, practical measure that would help deter fare evasion and support the police in identifying criminals and troublemakers".

Kent Police added it would cooperate with the rail operator and British Transport Police to "stop things from happening before they escalate".

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