More than 20 children in Margate have been spoken to by officers, with two arrested, in a crackdown on anti-social behaviour in the town.

Three children also had their bikes seized for nuisance riding in the town centre.

A dispersal order was put in place last Thursday afternoon following reports that groups of youngsters were congregating, drinking alcohol, making threats of violence and causing criminal damage.

The order lasted 48 hours and covered the town centre including King Street, Addington Street, Churchfields and High Street.

A second dispersal order was later authorised to cover the same area up until

yesterday afternoon

A designated dispersal area gives extra powers to officers under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 to tackle those carrying out nuisance behaviour and order them to leave the area.

If they return to the area within a specified time, they can be arrested.

Patrols were carried out by PCSOs and officers while businesses were spoken to regarding any concerns.

Atabout 8.45pm on Thursday, February 15, patrolling officers found a group of people causing an affray in Hall By The Sea Road.

Seven people aged between 13 and 15-years-old were stopped before being sent home, and their parents and schools were informed.

During the order, 14 people were formally asked to leave the area by officers including:

• an 18-year-old man who was dispersed fromCollege Walkfor being abusive to members of the public.
• a 12-year-old boy from Margate, a 13-year-old boy from Ramsgate and a 13-year-old boy from Margate all had their bicycles seized for riding recklessly inCollege Walk.

"Almost all of those people dispersed were under the age of 18 so the consequences of their behaviour was explained to them, and also we are speaking to parents" - Lara Connor

Following the dispersals, two people were then arrested on Saturday, February 17 on suspicion of failing to comply with the order - a 15-year-old boy from Margate and a 13-year-old girl from Broadstairs.

They were both released pending further enquiries.

The 15-year-old boy was arrested again on suspicion of possessing a bladed article today, in connection with a report of an altercation in College Walk on Monday, February 12.

He currently remains in police custody.

Inspector Lara Connor of Thanet Community Safety Unit said: "Anti-social behaviour can really affect a community.

"Groups of people who cause damage, noise or threatening behaviour can be intimidating to others who live and work in the area and it can make life miserable.

"During the school holiday, issues were reported to us so our officers carried out patrols to check no further disorder took place.

"We have spoken to those believed to be involved and taken their details.

"Almost all of those people dispersed were under the age of 18 so the consequences of their behaviour was explained to them, and also we are speaking to parents so they are aware too.

"The message is clear – anti-social behaviour is not welcome in Thanet, and we will take action against anyone found to be persistently causing problems.

"‘It’s important that residents and businesses keep reporting incidents to Kent Police when they arise as it means we can tackle it in the most efficient way."