Kent police crackdown on bank holiday antisocial gatherings in Thanet

During the May bank holiday weekend, Kent Police deployed additional patrols across Thanet and activated Section 34 dispersal orders in Broadstairs, Margate and Ramsgate. Officers made six arrests – including a teenager for assaulting an emergency worker and possession of cannabis, and others for drunk‑and‑disorderly behaviour, criminal damage and breaching the dispersal order – and moved on nearly 40 people. Seizures included music speakers, more than 50 nitrous‑oxide canisters and crates of alcohol.

Police chief inspector Ian Swallow said the force had expected “thousands of visitors” and that “the vast majority of those visitors were respectful”. Local businesses on Viking Bay beach reported intimidation and disruption, with some forced to close early because of the large groups of young people.