Dispersal orders enforced across Thanet coastal towns during bank holiday weekend

Police Response and Arrests

Officers made six arrests and dispersed around 40 people across Thanet during the bank holiday weekend while the dispersal orders remained in force, according to Kent Police statements reported by The Isle of Thanet News.

A dispersal order was implemented in Ramsgate town during the bank holiday weekend, with police confirming an increased presence in the town centre and on beaches. Broadstairs also saw a dispersal order covering the town centre and seafront areas during the same period.

The dispersal areas covered key public spaces visited by residents and tourists, including town centres, promenades and beach areas across all three towns.

Legal Powers and Duration

Under section 35 of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, dispersal orders must be authorised by an officer of at least inspector rank. The powers allow officers to direct individuals to leave a specified area for up to 48 hours if their behaviour is likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress, or contribute to crime and disorder.

Officers can also confiscate items that could be used in anti-social behaviour, such as alcohol. People who fail to comply with dispersal directions can be arrested and may face prosecution, with potential penalties including fines and imprisonment.

Previous Enforcement

Thanet’s coastal towns have seen previous use of dispersal orders during peak visitor periods, including school holidays and bank holidays. The bank holiday period typically brings increased visitor numbers to Thanet’s beaches and town centres. Police plan for these periods with additional patrols and, where necessary, specific enforcement powers.

The orders followed incidents of anti-social behaviour and concerns about large groups congregating in Thanet’s seafront areas during the busy weekend period.

Community Safety Partnership

Thanet District Council works alongside Kent Police on community safety through joint Community Safety Partnerships and local strategies to address anti-social behaviour in public spaces.

The dispersal orders were implemented to protect residents, families and tourists using beaches, promenades and town centres, targeting intimidation, harassment and nuisance behaviour in the seaside destinations.

Key Details

• Kent Police made six arrests and dispersed around 40 people across Thanet during the bank holiday weekend
• Dispersal orders covered town centres and seafronts in Broadstairs, Margate and Ramsgate under Anti-social Behaviour Act powers
• Officers can direct people to leave designated areas for up to 48 hours and confiscate items like alcohol

Impact on Residents and Visitors

Residents and visitors in Thanet’s coastal towns may encounter increased police presence and potential dispersal directions during busy periods when anti-social behaviour concerns arise. Anyone directed to leave under a dispersal order must comply or risk arrest. Orders last up to 48 hours from designated areas including town centres and seafronts. Police will continue using these powers during peak visitor periods as part of their strategy to maintain public order in tourist destinations.