A dispersal order will be in place in a town centre as police tackle antisocial behaviour.
The enforcement will be used in Sittingbourne and gives officers extra powers to move offenders from the area and arrest them.
It will begin tomorrow (Friday) at 3pm and last until 3pm on Sunday, January 26.
The action covers the High Street, Sittingbourne Retail Park, the train station and Sittingbourne Recreation Ground, known locally as Albany Park.
Officers will be monitoring all open spaces, alleyways, footpaths and grassed areas in and near these locations.
Designated roads include Avenue of Remembrance, Bell Road, Crown Quay Lane, Eurolink Way, Mill Way, St Paul’s Street, Chalkwell Road, London Road, West Street and Park Road.
Inspector Julia Bassindale says the action has been taken because in “recent weeks” the force has received reports of “disorder, abuse and threatening behaviour towards shop staff and members of the public” in the retail park and High Street.
Most recently, on January 3, a group of youths were filmed “swearing, destroying things and harassing innocent people” in the High Street.
KentOnline’s investigation highlighted the issues the town is facing following reports of McDonald’s staff being assaulted and youths causing havoc during the Christmas light switch-on.
Read here: ‘My night in ghost town centre – where youths run riot’
The inspector says that the force is also taking other measures to tackle the problem including working with youth organisations and schools.
She said: “We also visit the homes of young offenders to issue warning notices and encourage parents to take a proactive role in supporting the police.’
“We are always listening to concerns raised by residents and businesses and our officers are continuing to pay close attention to issues
“The areas in this dispersal order are already regularly patrolled every day of the week, and we are proactive with our partners operating CCTV cameras to help identify those seeking to cause problems.
“Anyone causing a nuisance and instructed to move on can be arrested if they return to the area.”
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