Police chief Chris Hogben is calling on people to return to basic standards and help cut crime.
The chief superintendent, who is the area commander for south Kent which covers Dover and Deal, was speaking after announcing an eight per cent reduction in criminal damage offences in the year to the end of March, compared with the previous year.
“Parents have a big responsibility to ensure their kids respect other people’s property,” he said.
“It’s not right that they walk the streets causing damage. Everything costs money.
“I believe our job is to enforce the law. We will not have them dropping litter or drawing on walls.
“It’s not being petty. These are the standards that the community expects. Anyone who commits any of these offences can expect sanctions.

“They have to understand that if they don’t obey the rules they are going to get penalised for it.
“People expect us to do that, and they don’t want to hear sob stories.
“Parents should set the right standards and examples. I won’t tolerate people dropping litter and I don’t expect my officers to tolerate it either. Everyone has a responsibility to dispose of their litter properly."
Ch Supt Hogben said parents and schools have a part to play in teaching children how to behave.
Full story in this week's East Kent Mercury and Dover Mercury.