POLICE have hailed a crackdown on anti-social behaviour troublespots in Kent a success.

Police working on the countywide Safer Autumn campaign in Medway arrested five people, seized alcohol from underage drinkers and issued six £80 fines for disorder.

Since October, high profile patrols have been targeting hot spot areas in an effort to combat the antisocial use of fireworks and underage drinking.

The officers also made a point of visiting retailers to offer them advice on the law surrounding the sale of fireworks.

Over the three-weeks the team arrested five people for various offences including criminal damage and possessing fireworks when underage.

They have also issued six £80 fines to those found to be acting in a disorderly way.

Inspector Simon Alland, from Kent Police,said: “In addition to our high profile patrols we issued advice and warning posters to retailers reminding them of the legislation surrounding the sale of fireworks.

“The officers involved in this Safer Autumn campaign made it a priority to respond to reports quickly in order to stop incidents from getting out of hand.

"I am confident that this was effective and I am pleased that reports of antisocial behaviour reduced over the three-week period.

“I would like to thank our partners, in particular Trading Standards, who undoubtedly help the campaign to be a successful one.”

* To find out who your local neighbourhood officer is and learn more about police surgeries, PACT meetings and crime prevention, log onto www.kent.police.uk and use the postcode search facility.