Police officers are to patrol Whitstable harbour after reports of vandals damaging boats and jumping in the water.

Owners of boats that can cost up to £30,000 have become increasingly concerned with the rise in vandalism and fear it will get worse.

The quay has become a popular to meeting place for youths in the past year, with more coming in the warmer weather.

One boat owner, who uses the harbour daily, says he and others are afraid to stand up to the vandals.

“We do not want to confront them as it puts us at risk of getting a screwdriver through the boat,” he said.

“It is intimidating as at times there are up to 40 of them there. They come day and night.

“Hopefully the issue can be tackled through the police as this is only going to get worse as the weather gets better.”

One boat has had a snapped mast and broken wheel.

As well as damage to the boats, owners say drug-taking is also an issue.

“At times it smells like cannabis round there – we also found several silver laughing gas canisters,” the boat owner said.

He said the teenagers have also been jumping in the water, known as “tombstoning”. “That is very dangerous as the water could sometimes not be deep enough and jet skiers who are speeding could hit them – there could be a serious accident.”

Police spokeswoman Natalie Hardy said: “Since the beginning of 2017 we have received one report of criminal damage to a boat in the quay at Whitstable and officers have spoken to the owner of that boat to offer advice.” Officers are now set to patrol the area to try to prevent further damage.

Sgt Nicholas Barton from the Community Safety Unit said: “We understand the detrimental impact that anti-social behaviour can have on the community and we do all we can to monitor the situation and tackle incidents as and when they occur.

“We also aim to prevent this behaviour building up by patrolling areas, including the quay, and maintaining regular contact with the Harbour Master.

“We would encourage anyone who has concerns about anti-social behaviour to report incidents as they occur to allow officers to build an accurate picture of any issues and take appropriate action.”