Vandals have been reported hurling stones at cars leading police to issue a dispersal order in a town centre.

Youths have reportedly targeted vehicles in Strood and Chatham with at least seven vehicles affected in retail parks and the town centres.

Following the incidents in Commercial Road and the High Street between Friday and Tuesday, the police have launched a dispersal order covering Strood town centre from 3pm to 9pm today.

This will authorise officers to stop anyone involved in anti-social behaviour and move them on from the area.

On February 19, four youths were stopped after they were caught on CCTV throwing stones in Chatham town centre.

Their details were taken and investigations continue.

Insp Matthew Burbeck of the Medway Community Safety Unit said: "Since February 14 there have been seven reports of young people throwing stones at vehicles in Medway retail parks and town centres.

"As a result of having extra patrols in the area we have already stopped and spoken to several youths behaving in an anti-social manner.

"I would like to appeal to parents to remind young people of the dangers of throwing stones at cars and the potential for causing serious injury.

"Anti-social behaviour is usually carried out by a minority but it can have a big impact on the community.

"It’s important that members of the public continue to report their concerns to us by calling 101 or 999 in an emergency."

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