Alcohol has been seized from children and youths including a 12-year-old boy arrested as part of a police crackdown on anti-social behaviour.

Uniformed and plain-clothed officers in unmarked vehicles patrolled Deal and Sandwich, following reports of concerns about groups of teenagers on Friday (February 16).

Meanwhile, additional officers were sent to Minster and around Ramsgate railway station to speak to young people and remind them of the impact of their actions.

During the operation, a 16-year-old girl was arrested in Minster for breaching a Community Protection Notice (CPN) prohibiting her from being part of large groups or behaving in a way which could cause alarm or distress.

She will appear before a youth court next month.

A 12-year-old boy was also arrested in Sandwich and taken home to his family following reports of criminal damage to a car and shoplifting in the town.

Alcohol was seized from several children, five people were stopped and searched and 15 penalties were handed out by British Transport Police for travelling on trains without a ticket.

Sergeant Gavin Rolfe, of Dover Community Safety Unit, said: “Nobody wants to stop young people enjoying themselves.

“However, when their actions lead to shoplifting, assaults or the carrying of weapons, it is right that the police step in.

“Officers engaged with the teenagers they encountered during the patrols, warning them of the impact of anti-social behaviour. Where necessary, action was taken against individuals suspected of breaking the law.

“We will continue to carry out operations of this kind to address concerns raised to us by the community, and make sure everyone feels safe.”