'Anti-Social Behaviour' Dispersal Order In Place

A dispersal order is in place to tackle anti-social behaviour in central Sittingbourne.

It started at 2pm yesterday (Thursday 25th May) and will remain in place until 2pm on Sunday (28th May), covering Sittingbourne Retail Park as well as the High Street area.

The order has been implemented due to an increase in reports of anti-social behaviour in the district at weekends. It allows officers to stop anyone involved in disorderly behaviour and move them on from the area.

Inspector Vanessa Foster from Swale’s Community Safety Unit told SFM News: ‘There has been a recent increase in nuisance behaviour in the area, which is negatively impacting on the local community’s quality of life. This weekend, Sittingbourne will see increased patrols to tackle the issue.

‘The dispersal order gives our officers additional powers to move on anyone causing a nuisance and, if necessary, arrest those who return to the area once dispersed. Anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated and those responsible will be held to account.’

Anybody who wishes to report instances of anti-social behaviour should report it online via the Kent Police website. If a crime is in progress you should immediately call the 999 service.