Anti-social behaviour reported to Kent Police has risen every month this year.

According to latest figures obtained by KentOnline, a total of 4,878 offences was recorded in July, 946 more than the previous month.

It’s the highest number of reported incidents in a single month since August 2014.

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Anti-social behaviour includes offences such as begging, fly tipping, prostitution, drug dealing and vandalism.

Recently, reports of young people scaring people with clown maskswas recorded as anti-social behaviour.

Kent Police has responded to say the increase is in line with forces across the country and the numbers could be put down to an increase in people feeling able to report crimes.

Supt. Simon Thompson added: “Anti-social behaviour covers a wide range of unacceptable activities that can cause harm to individuals, their communities and environments.

“Through our community safety officers and community wardens we are working together to try and deal with issues.”

He added the increase cannot be attributed to the school summer holidays.

The force has a range of powers to tackle reports of ASB including moving people away from a particular area if they’re likely to commit a crime.

Whilst a dispersal order is in place, anyone over the age of 10 can be asked to leave an area and not return for a set period of time, if an officer of PCSO has reasonable grounds to suspect their behaviour has or could contribute towards the public being harassed, alarmed of distressed.

Earlier this year, a dispersal order was put in place in West Malling after complaints from residents about disturbances in the town.

The parish council, together with Kent Police and Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council, worked to reduce low-level crimes.

Richard Selkirk, vice-chairman of West Malling Parish Council, said the scheme was effective, but limited due to police resources.

"15 or 20 years ago we had a full police station, then we had a police office, then a police van, and now we don't have a visible presence" - Richard Selkirk

He added: "We've had a problem with low-level crime for about two years now and it was becoming very disruptive for the people who live here.

"The police have tried their best but it's very difficult because they are limited.

"15 or 20 years ago we had a full police station, then we had a police office, then a police van, and now we don't have a visible presence day to day."

Police can also serve court orders to tackle persistent offenders, as well as closing premises which are being used, or are likely to be used, to commit nuisance or disorder.