A dispersal order has been issued during prime trick-or-treating hours.

It comes after police reported an increase in anti-social behaviour around Snodland and Holborough Lakes.

The order allows police and PCSOs in uniform the power to issue a person to leave a specified area and not return for a period of up to 48 hours within the dispersal order zone.

The force says the officer must have reasonable grounds to suspect that their behaviour has contributed to, or is likely to contribute a range of incidents.

This includes members of the public being harassed, alarmed or distressed.

Neighbourhood beat officer, PC Georgia Marshall, said: “Due to an increase in anti-social behaviour in Snodland earlier this week and last Halloween, a S34 dispersal order has been granted which will be valid from 4pm on October 31 until 1am on November 1.”

Patrols will be taking place tonight and can deal with individuals aged 10 or over engaging in anti-social behaviour or crime and disorder not only when they have happened or are happening, but when they are likely to occur as well.

A child aged under 16 can be removed to their home address or a place of safety.