GO AD-FREE. Get 2 Months Digital Subscription for ONLY £1! Use code 2FOR1
GET STARTEDMore on KentOnline
GO AD-FREE. Get 2 Months Digital Subscription for ONLY £1! Use code 2FOR1
GET STARTEDMore on KentOnline
Extra police are patrolling several parks and beauty spots following a recent spate of anti-social behaviour.
Officers are stepping up their presence across Sevenoaks and parts of Dartford in response to a rise in littering and alcohol and drug misuse.
More police are being sent out to reduce and deter problems at several hotspots including The Vine in Sevenoaks, Swanley park and areas in Eynsford.
Popular beauty spots such as Knole Park and Chipstead Lake have also been subject to littering and reports of substance misuse.
Reports of anti-social behaviour outdoors typically increase during the summer months, when people often gather in large groups.
It comes after a 48-hour dispersal order was put in place at the open water lake.
The order came into force between June 26 and 28 to deal with a significant rise in anti-social behaviour which led to a number of areas being blighted by rubbish.
Police say the dispersal order and measures introduced by the landowner have since led to a sharp decrease in reported issues.
Inspector Mark Stubberfield, of the Sevenoaks Community Safety Unit, said: "Our officers are working hard to strike a balance between allowing people to enjoy themselves, but intervening when their actions may make an area frightening or unpleasant to be in.
"We never underestimate the impact anti-social behaviour can have on people's lives, and we are always working closely with landowners and our partner agencies to identify and respond to any concerns."
Visitors are also being encouraged to drink responsibly as part of the crackdown on nuisance behaviour.
Insp Stubberfield said: "Alcohol is often a contributing factor to complaints of anti-social social behaviour and I would like to reassure residents that officers will not hesitate to confiscate drink from anyone if they cannot prove they are old enough, or if they are acting irresponsibly of selfishly.
"We also ask that neighbours, as well as parents and guardians, continue to work with us and report any incidents as it helps us to identify any growing issues and ensure we respond appropriately and effectively."
People can report anti-social behaviour either online at www.kent.police.uk/report, or by calling 101.
