Chatham Nuisance Offender Banned from Town Centre for Two Years Under Criminal Behaviour Order

What Triggered the Ban

Thirteen incidents in just over two months. That’s what sealed this man’s fate.

Kent Police enforced the Criminal Behaviour Order after officers connected the individual to multiple incidents of anti-social behaviour across the town centre. The reports show a clear pattern of persistent disruption that authorities couldn’t ignore.

Criminal Behaviour Orders replaced the old ASBO system in 2014 under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act. They give courts flexible powers to prohibit specific conduct and protect communities from repeat offenders. But breaking a CBO carries serious consequences – offenders face up to five years in prison if they breach the terms.

Chatham’s Ongoing Battle

The ban comes as Chatham town centre continues wrestling with anti-social behaviour problems. Street drinking, begging and public disorder have prompted increased police patrols and enforcement measures across the area.

Medway recorded 4,256 anti-social behaviour incidents in the year ending March 2025 – a hefty 12% jump from the previous year. The borough ranks among Kent’s worst affected areas for such problems. CCTV monitoring covers Chatham High Street, with Medway Council supporting enforcement through community safety partnerships.

The Numbers Behind CBOs

Courts issued 1,042 Criminal Behaviour Orders nationally in the year ending March 2025.

These civil orders aim to tackle persistent troublemakers who repeatedly disrupt communities. Kent Police’s Medway team will enforce the two-year exclusion zone – officers patrol the town centre regularly to monitor compliance with such orders. The measure sends a clear message that repeat anti-social behaviour won’t be tolerated in Chatham’s shopping areas.

Mixed Views on Enforcement

Local businesses and residents generally welcome CBOs as necessary tools to reclaim public spaces from disruptive individuals. Many see them as essential for protecting shoppers and improving footfall in the town centre. Yet civil liberties advocates stress that orders must be proportionate and evidence-based. They warn against punishing vulnerability such as homelessness without addressing underlying causes.

Some community groups call for broader prevention strategies alongside enforcement measures.

Key Takeaways

• A 49-year-old man faces a two-year ban from Chatham town centre under a Criminal Behaviour Order
• Kent Police linked him to 13 nuisance reports since November 2025
• Breaching the order could result in up to five years in prison

What This Means for Kent Residents

Shoppers and businesses in Chatham can expect improved safety as Kent Police enforces this exclusion order over the next two years. Local businesses should report any breaches immediately via the 101 non-emergency line – or call 999 if there’s an immediate threat to public safety. And residents across Medway can request similar enforcement action if they’re experiencing persistent anti-social behaviour in their area. Contact Kent Police with detailed reports and evidence to help officers build cases against repeat offenders.