Kent Police used dispersal notices, arrests and school presentations between May and August 2026 to tackle antisocial behaviour across Thanet, Herne Bay and Whitstable.
More than 350 people were moved on from east Kent’s coastal towns during a summer crackdown by Kent Police, running from May to August 2026. Beaches and seafronts across Thanet, Herne Bay and Whitstable were all targeted — over 40 arrests made, eight vehicles seized.
Thanet bore the brunt of it. Officers there issued more than 280 dispersal notices, the formal powers that require someone to leave an area or face arrest if they refuse or come back. More than 40 Community Protection Notices followed, the civil orders used against persistent nuisance behaviour. Herne Bay and Whitstable together accounted for around 70 dispersal notices.
And that’s before you count the informal dispersals. Hundreds more people were moved off beaches after officers broke up fights, confiscated alcohol and responded to reported disorder throughout the summer.
Schools got a visit too. Officers delivered presentations to more than 1,200 students, spelling out what a criminal record actually means for your future. Kent Police also worked with Community Alcohol Partnerships to tackle underage sales, and joined forces with British Transport Police, Southeastern and Network Rail on nuisance behaviour at stations and on trains serving the coastal towns.
Locals, for what it’s worth, told the force they welcomed the extra high-visibility presence. Kent Police say antisocial behaviour is a year-round priority — not just something they dust off when the tourists arrive.