Six arrests in Thanet bank holiday crackdown

Six people were arrested during a police crackdown on antisocial behaviour across Thanet over the bank holiday weekend.

Kent Police said dispersal orders were introduced in Broadstairs, Margate and Ramsgate, with nearly 40 people moved on.

Officers seized speakers, more than 50 nitrous oxide canisters, alcohol from underage drinkers and reunited four children with their parents.

Chief Insp Ian Swallow said: "We knew there would be thousands of visitors across Thanet during the bank holiday weekend and had plans in place to tackle any possible antisocial behaviour head-on."

Additional patrols were deployed as large crowds gathered, particularly at Viking Bay in Broadstairs, police said.

Arrests in Broadstairs included a teenager suspected of assaulting an emergency worker and possession of cannabis, as well as people held for being drunk and disorderly and breaching dispersal orders.

In Margate, arrests were made for criminal damage and assault, a racially or religiously aggravated public order offence and an outstanding warrant.

Police also detained several people after reports of a disturbance at a fast food restaurant on Margate High Street on Sunday.

Across the weekend, officers carried out 10 stop searches, with one resulting in cannabis being found.

Two traffic offence reports were issued as part of wider enforcement activity.

Swallow said most visitors were respectful, adding that only "pockets of incidents" required intervention.

He said a joint approach with councils and businesses helped keep "crime and disorder… to an absolute minimum".

Kent Police said it remained committed to tackling antisocial behaviour and would take action against those causing disruption.

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