Kent Police will be organising extra patrols in Deal following an increase in reports of anti-social behaviour in the town centre.

It follows reports of young people causing problems in parts of the town centre including the High Street, South Street, South Court, train station and a supermarket car park.

Officers will be out in force to challenge the behaviour of anti-social groups and disperse them if necessary.

PC Ian Woodland said: ‘We take anti-social behaviour very seriously and understand the impact it has on people living nearby.

"It is not acceptable and those responsible for repeated acts of anti-social behaviour will be targeted for criminal prosecution and could be subject to a Criminal Behaviour Order.

"The courts could also decide to impose a prohibition, which means the offender would be unable to re-enter their own town centre for a period of at least two years. This could have a major effect on a young person."

PC Woodland added: "The longer winter nights naturally draw young people into town centres where there is light and shelter to meet with friends, but their collective behaviour sometimes has a very negative effect upon the local community of residents, businesses and shoppers.

"We don’t want people to end up with criminal charges, but repeat offenders should recognise that this is where their behaviour will ultimately lead them."