Trouble feared in four UK seaside towns for 48 hours as cops issue urgent statement

Trouble feared in four UK seaside towns for 48 hours as cops issue urgent statement Kent Police said a dispersal order applies to seaside towns where people suspected of antisocial behaviour will now face arrest and the seizure of 'loud music equipment' Police have been granted stronger powers to crack down on anti-social behaviour in four UK seaside towns amid fears the hot weather could lead to trouble. With predicted highs of 28C across Saturday and Sunday, Kent Police says it's officers are bracing for a weekend of "anti-social behaviour". Dispersal orders have been in place since 2pm yesterday in Broadstairs, Ramsgate and Margate, in the Thanet area, and 4pm in Whitstable. The orders are expected to remain in place for 48 hours. Dispersal orders grant officers enhanced powers to move on people of any age above 10 who are seen to be carrying out nuisance behaviour away from the area. They risk arrest if they return within a certain time limit. Kent Police said in a statement that "anyone suspected to be behaving in an antisocial manner in Broadstairs, Westwood Cross shopping centre, central Ramsgate or Margate town centre will be asked to move on or face arrest if they fail to do so." "The same applies to anyone behaving antisocially on or near the beaches and at the railway stations", a statement added. Officers have the power to seize speakers or other "loud music equipment". In Whitstable, the dispersal order spans the town centre, railway station and seafront. Superintendent Pete Steenhuis from Kent Police said: "Our coastal towns are wonderful places to enjoy the warm, sunny weather and we want to keep them that way. "The overwhelming majority of people who choose to socialise in these areas do so respectfully and responsibly, and anyone who would seek to spoil it for others should expect to be dealt with swiftly and robustly."