More police patrols saw arrests almost double

Officers responded to numerous reports regarding criminal damage, underage drinking and the use of catapults on wildlife

Increased patrols in Herne Bay and Whitstable have seen anti-social behaviour arrests almost double this year compared with last summer, say Kent Police.

Between June and August, officers responded to numerous reports from the community regarding criminal damage, underage drinking and the use of catapults on wildlife in the two coastal towns.

A total of 169 people were detained - up from 90 during the same period in 2024 - of which 49 were charged, cautioned or issued community resolutions.

Ch Insp Paul Stoner said the move "has had a real impact on diverting young people away from committing crime".

The rise has been credited to a ramping up of patrols and deployment of a dedicated neighbourhood task force to Herne Bay Police Station.

A Kent Police spokesperson said that, as a result, "stop searches also more than doubled", with 160 conducted across both towns between June and August 2025, compared with 63 in the same period last year.

Of the 169 arrests made, 83 were related to theft and shoplifting offences, which is an increase from 23 in summer 2024.

In addition, a total of 58 dispersal orders were issued in Herne Bay, compared with eight in Whitstable.

Ch Insp Stoner added: "We are going to continue to work with the local community and they will see that sustained presence as we go into next year."