Police called to Greenhithe lake area around Castleridge Drive and Havelock Drive 56 times after anti-social behaviour reports
Published: 15:04, 16 June 2021
Updated: 15:37, 16 June 2021
Police were called 56 times to a lakeside in a residential area after anti-social behaviour was reported by neighbours.
So now police have imposed a dispersal order in Greenhithe after groups of people were seen engaging in nuisance behaviour in the area throughout June.
The calls to police - dating between June 2 and 14 - reported excess noise, mopeds being driven poorly and threatening behaviour.
Criminal damage has also been reported to a buoyancy aid, signs and plants around the lake.
The dispersal order will remain in place around Castleridge Drive and Havelock Drive as well as the lake area until tomorrow at 1.45pm after it was implemented yesterday.
The powers allow police to move on and disperse groups or individuals they suspect has engaged or is likely to engage in anti-social behaviour.
Police patrols sent a group of young people away and seized a moped.
Failure to comply with the order can lead to arrest.
Insp Sarah Rivett, from the Dartford Community Safety Unit, said: "While we appreciate people want to enjoy the hot summer weather, it cannot be to the detriment of other people in the area.
"Only a very small number of people engage in anti-social behaviour, but we’re not blind to the wide reaching impact it can have on the surrounding community.
"We have therefore implemented this order, and will not hesitate to take further action should the need arise."
Police implemented a similar order in Greenhithe in April to tackle issues with boy racers in the Crossways Boulevard area - a known hotspot for rowdy car meet ups.
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Matt Leclere