Swale Police are taking strong measures to control New Year’s Eve chaos with the introduction of dispersal orders across key town centres. From 4pm on December 31st until 4pm on January 1st, these orders will be in effect across Sheerness, Sittingbourne, and Faversham.
The aim is clear: no tolerance for crime or antisocial behaviour during the New Year celebrations. Police will be actively monitoring specific areas within these towns to ensure public safety.
In Sheerness, officers will focus on Tesco, Broadway up to the Richmond Street junction, and the High Street including the Bridge Road roundabouts. In Sittingbourne, the town centre area covering Retail Park, Dover Street, Avenue of Remembrance to Bell Road by the Eurolink Way roundabout will be under watch. Faversham’s designated zone includes the area between the Quay and the railway station, bordered by Newtown Road and South Road.
The police have a zero tolerance policy towards nuisance behaviour and reckless riding. They have the authority to order individuals causing trouble to leave the area and can arrest anyone who returns after being dispersed. Vehicles and bikes involved in dangerous driving or causing disturbances may be seized. Additionally, stop and search powers have been increased to support enforcement efforts.
Chief Inspector Vanessa Foster said, “We are committed to ensuring residents and visitors feel safe when out and about and we will not tolerate intimidating or illegal behaviour. Officers will be patrolling the area and anyone being disorderly or found causing a nuisance will be required to leave. Those who choose to return once dispersed can expect to be detained. We hope everyone has fun tonight and we’re putting these orders in place to make sure all those celebrating have an enjoyable and safe time in our town centres.”
Members of the public are encouraged to report any antisocial behaviour promptly. Reports can be made online via the Kent Police website. For incidents occurring at the moment, dial 999 immediately.
Stay safe and help keep Swale’s New Year celebrations trouble-free.
Originally published by UKNIP.
