Cones have been removed from a busy main route following a spate of crime.

Police say they took the objects from Sturry Road, Canterbury, yesterday as the items were used by miscreants to cause "hazards to passing traffic".

This is the latest case of anti-social behaviour near the city thoroughfare, which has had its vandal-hit park and ride bus kiosk closed since the weekend.

Officers said this week: "Following prolonged reports of anti-social behaviour in the Sturry Road area of Canterbury, two PCSOs removed these [cones] from the road due to them causing hazards to passing traffic.

"If any anti-social behaviour is seen please call us on 101."

Sturry councillor Louise Harvey-Quirke says the park and ride building was shut by the local authority because youngsters had damaged the site and started fires nearby.

In the wake of the crime wave - which also included reports of youths throwing eggs at cars - police introduced a 48-hour dispersal order on Friday, which allowed officers to move on anyone causing a nuisance.

Anyone who returned to the area having already been asked to leave was at risk of arrest.

The places covered by the order included Sturry Road, Stour Crescent and Vauxhall Road.

Chief Insp Matthew Smith said on Saturday: "Officers are carrying out patrols of the area this weekend, in response to concerns about a number of young people causing criminal damage to commercial premises, throwing eggs and other items at vehicles, general anti-social behaviour and causing distress to the public.

"It’s not acceptable and anyone seen carrying out such actions will be robustly dealt with.

"Those who are under 16 and continue to offend should also expect an officer to contact their parents or guardians to discuss why their behaviour won’t be tolerated."

The Sturry Road park and ride closure will be reviewed this week.