We, the residents, businesses, and visitors of Broadstairs, call on Thanet District Council and Kent Police to implement stronger, permanent measures to put a stop to the growing tide of anti-social behaviour affecting our town - especially underage drinking, looting, verbal abuse, fighting, drug use, and property damage.

In the week commencing the 16th June, (which coincided with end of school exams and hot weather), our town has seen a surge in violent crime. A large group of youths attacked staff at an Italian restaurant, hurling chairs, smashing a window, and inflicting nearly £2,000 in damage - while others filmed and egged on the violence in front of stunned diners.

That evening also saw underage street drinking, fighting on the beaches and at the train station, shoplifting, and vandalism - prompting Kent Police to issue dispersal orders and make arrests. Not more than 24 hours into this order, the town was once again overrun, with a repeat of behaviour that had been seen earlier in the week. In addition, national retailers and locally owned family businesses, had no option but to shut their doors, following large scale looting and abuse. Many beach users on Viking Bay left early, fearing for their safety.

Despite temporary dispersal zones used repeatedly over 2024 and into the summer of 2025, the scale and frequency of incidents shows little sign of abatement. There has been a total absence of any consistent police presence, with responsibility seemingly falling to two, young "security" staff, who have no authority or powers, offering zero deterrent. 

We are concerned for public safety as well as that of local businesses who are facing serious threats with damaged property, frightened customers, and financial losses. The public safety and enjoyment of Broadstairs has declined, especially along beaches and promenades. Current measures are clearly failing - repeat offenders continue to return despite dispersal orders, fines, and PSPO restrictions.

We respectfully demand:

• Enhanced police powers and permanent measures to expand Public Spaces Protection Orders and empower Kent Police to enforce aggressively - especially against underage drinking, drug use, abusive language, and violence.
• Extend dispersal zones permanently throughout summer on beaches, the High Street, railway station, and recreation areas.
• Stronger sanctions for repeat offenders with harsher fines, Community Protection Notices, Anti‑Social Behaviour Orders, and criminal prosecutions for persistent perpetrators - especially minors.
•  Boost community policing presence - reintroduce “bobbies on the beat” to offer high-visibility, familiar figures in our town. This approach halved ASB in a similar seaside community in Cumbria within months
• Increase patrols at peak times, supported by PCSOs, Police Sergeants, and targeted outreach teams.
• Thanet District Council to hire security firms with ex-military personnel to patrol our beaches. 
•  Improved monitoring and community accountability - publish regular reports on incidents, arrests, and sanctions. Hold quarterly public consultations with businesses, schools, and residents to review and refine tactics.

Broadstairs is not just any other town - it is a seaside destination cherished by families, tourists, and owners of independent businesses. The surge in violent incidents, theft, alcohol-fuelled disorder, and drug use is eroding its charm, safety, and economic health.

Broadstairs is a town seemingly abandoned by the authorities with no permanent police station / office and a district council more focused on their financials than ensuring the hard working residents and businesses of the area are supported, protected and able to prosper.

Without urgent, visible, and sustained action, this decline will only continue.

We ask that you treat this petition with the urgency it deserves and encourage you to meet with local residents and businesses to secure the future of Broadstairs and return it to a safe, welcoming, and thriving coastal community.