Feral teenagers take over cities with drug dealing and boozed-up aggressive yobs

Kent coast businesses and residents say Bank Holiday weekends have been blighted by gangs, drug dealing and underage drinking, prompting Kent Police to launch a summer crackdown

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Gangs of marauding youngsters and drug dealers are transforming what should be idyllic Bank Holiday weekends on the Kent coast into mayhem – with police warning they’re prepared to crack down hard.

Local traders have expressed serious alarm after intimidation led to premature shutdowns, sparking a determined, high-visibility summer crackdown along Kent’s shoreline. Viral clips revealed swarms of young people flooding onto the beach during the scorching late May heatwave, with accounts of threatening conduct, thundering music, underage boozing, and clashes with residents and shop owners.

Kent Police moved on almost 40 individuals across Thanet, conducted several arrests, including for narcotics offences, and issued dispersal orders in Broadstairs, Margate, and Ramsgate.

Andrew Webb, who operates Kent Surf School at Viking Bay, branded the circumstances as “awful” and revealed that antisocial conduct has blighted the vicinity for three years. He told the BBC: “Young people were getting lots of alcohol and bringing it with them.

“All of a sudden, they start being aggressive and throwing swear words a lot… It just becomes intimidating because if you say something as a grown-up… you’ve got a swarm of about 20 or 30 young youths all surrounding you.”

Webb claimed the beach has endured a “complete decline”, compelling him to redirect attention to another spot and postpone opening due to heaps of rubbish abandoned in their wake. The Viking Bay Cafe took to social media to slam those who arrived “simply to cause trouble, film chaos for social media and disrespect our town”, revealing that some businesses were compelled to shut early due to “disruption and intimidation”.

Difficult summers

The New Old Bakehouse described it as “an exhausting day” for staff attempting to shield customers from the pandemonium, reports the Express. The unrest forms part of a broader summer spike in antisocial behaviour plaguing Kent’s seaside destinations.

Police reports show that between Friday, May 29, and Sunday, May 31, officers in Margate and Broadstairs moved on 52 individuals and carried out eight arrests for crimes including defying dispersal orders, possession with intent to supply drugs, and public order offences. Superintendent Rob Marsh, head of strategic prevention for Kent Police, explained that addressing such conduct is a “year-round commitment” but summer presents particular difficulties with increased visitor numbers.

Adding to the turmoil, Kent Police are probing the killing of a seagull in Broadstairs’ Pierremont Park, shot in the head – thought to be with a BB gun or catapult – with the incident reported on June 1. The force’s Rural Team is keeping watch over the situation.

Comparable attacks on animals using catapults have taken place recently in Herne Bay and Sheppey. Police launched a catapult crackdown last year after receiving around 14 calls per day relating to their use.

Last summer (June-August 2025), Kent Police recorded 10,225 antisocial behaviour incidents – 31% of the yearly total and the highest quarterly figure. Nuisance gatherings (3,253), drunken or rowdy behaviour (2,130), and nuisance vehicles (1,941) were the most frequent. During the previous financial year, officers issued 1,090 preventative orders, including 227 dispersal orders and 562 Community Protection Warnings/Notices.

Chief Inspector Ian Swallow, district commander for Thanet, said: “Thanet has some of the most beautiful beaches in the UK, and it is a source of pride that so many people choose to visit them when the weather is hot. We have robust plans in place to tackle weather-related antisocial behaviour that will inevitably occur, and it was pleasing to see how calm Margate and Broadstairs were last weekend in light of our ongoing work to disperse troublemakers from the area.

“Irresponsible behaviour”

“Our officers were highly visible across the weekend and had many positive engagements with local people and business owners, who I would like to thank for their ongoing support. We are not complacent and know there are many more warm weekends ahead of us, but we are well prepared and will not tolerate any irresponsible behaviour that risks ruining the summer for the vast majority of law-abiding sunseekers.”

Chief Inspector Paul Stoner, district commander for Canterbury, said: “Whitstable and Herne Bay are understandably popular tourist destinations and we know the summer months bring increased demand and unique challenges to these lively coastal towns. We are completely focused on tackling the issues that matter most to our communities and regularly engage with residents, councillors and partners to address any concerns and take action against the minority of people who fail to behave in a responsible manner.

“Our coastal towns are busy during the summer months because they are home to fantastic beaches, restaurants and tourist attractions, and because the vast majority of people who live and work here are friendly and welcoming. We are determined to help keep it that way, and will not think twice about disrupting those intent on ruining the enjoyment of others.”

East Thanet MP Polly Billington urged greater action to ensure visitors conduct themselves “responsibly and respectfully”. Broadstairs Mayor George Rusiecki revealed additional security guards had been brought in, with local authorities examining further measures.

Kent Police have highlighted proactive measures including high-visibility patrols, targeted operations, and dispersal powers. Superintendent Rob Marsh has reassured residents across the county – not just those in coastal areas – that issues such as abusive street drinkers, catapult misuse causing damage to property and wildlife, and nuisance e-scooters are being prioritised.

Operations are currently underway in Gravesend, Sevenoaks, and Chatham. Despite the crackdown, business owners have reported feeling overwhelmed.

The incidents underscore ongoing tensions between seaside economies reliant on tourism and a minority intent on causing disruption. Police maintain that the vast majority enjoy the areas responsibly, but pledge swift action against any troublemakers.

With more warm weekends on the horizon, Kent’s coastal towns remain on high alert. Officers vow to “stop them in their tracks” to safeguard the summer experience for families, residents, and visitors.

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