Dispersal Order Targets Anti Social Behaviour

Neighbourhood officers have brought some robust enforcement to Sittingbourne in response to recent reports of anti-social behaviour.

A dispersal order was instigated in the town’s retail park over the weekend between 5pm on Friday (29th November) until 5pm yesterday (Sunday 1st December). Officers were deployed to the area after business owners and shoppers raised their concerns about the conduct of some visitors.

Several young people received words of advice about their behaviour with three being required to leave the area immediately. Their parents will be contacted and they were warned that if they returned within 48 hours they risked being arrested. The constables also seized four cycles that were being ridden in a way that endangered pedestrians. In further enforcement patrols dispersed a large group of motorists who had gathered at the car park and were causing a hazard to other road users.

Whilst policing the dispersal area, officers were called upon to arrest a person suspected of stealing items worth around £400 from the Marks and Spencer Foodhall on The Sittingbourne Retail Park. A woman, aged 18 and from Chatham, was later charged with theft and has been bailed to a hearing at Medway Magistrates' Court on Friday 20th December.

Chief Inspector Allen Searle told SFM News: "We are aware of the concerns raised by residents and business owners about the disorderly conduct of some adults and a number young people in the town. Our officers are determined to tackle these incidents and, where young people are involved, will be liaising directly with their parents. I would encourage anyone with concerns about crime or nuisance behaviour to speak to our visible patrols who are out and about in the town, or report the issue to us online. This will allow us to effectively deploy our resources to the relevant locations at the right time of the day, and to target those who cause the most harm to our community."

Incidents of anti-social behaviour can be reported to Kent Police via their webaite: https://www.kent.police.uk/contact/af/contact-us-beta/contact-us/