Antisocial People Ordered To Disperse By Police

Constables ordered seven people to leave areas of Sittingbourne over the weekend during a dispersal order to tackle antisocial behaviour.

Patrols working on foot in the town targeted the small number of people whose disorderly behaviour causes concern for residents and local business owners. The order was in operation between Friday 28th and Sunday 30th March and allowed officers to instruct anyone causing a nuisance to immediately leave the area. Those who choose to return faced being arrested.

Officers also arrested a local man on suspicion of three separate thefts of confectionary and food valued at almost £150. The suspect was additionally wanted on a court warrant and was later charged and remanded in custody. Patrols seized alcohol where it was being consumed in the area covered by a Public Space Protection Order, and recovered an off road motorcycle that was being ridden illegally in the nearby retail park. The rider received a traffic offence report.

Inspector Julia Bassindale told SFM News: "This weekend is a continuation of our work to target the young people who cause a nuisance when they visit the town centre. Of those ordered to leave the area, some live locally and others have travelled from neighbouring locations. In every case, their parents received a visit and strong words of advice from one of our patrols, while our Child Centred Policing Team will also be assessing what further measures are required. Whilst on patrol, we spoke to many members of the public as well as shop owners who supported our ongoing work to tackle antisocial behaviour. We are determined to continue this enforcement and will be taking action against those who persist in causing problems for local people."