Police have set up a dispersal zone in Deal town centre this weekend to tackle anti-social behaviour.

This comes after residents in the town contacted police to report an increase in crimes and anti-social activities.

A spokesman for Kent Police said: “Kent Police now have a dispersal zone in Deal town centre for the whole of this weekend to deal with crime and disorder.

“Failure to leave when directed by a PC or PCSO without reasonable excuse is an offence.

“The dispersal zone has been set up due to reports from residents about anti-social behaviour and crime in the area of Deal town centre.”

This means officers have more powers to disperse groups of two or more people in the town who they believe are acting anti-socially.

A breach of the order can result in a fine or a prison sentence up to a maximum of three months.

Kent Police said more information will be available after the dispersal zone period has expired.