Antisocial behaviour - General.

North Deal, including the town centre, continues to face persistent issues with antisocial behaviour (ASB), particularly involving a group of local youths. This includes repeat incidents affecting businesses—such as shoplifting and criminal damage—as well as derelict properties that attract further ASB. In residential areas, repeat victims have reported door kicking, harassment, and property damage.

The group involved is known to the Community Safety Unit and the Dover Vulnerability and Behavioural Crime Team. Their behaviour includes theft of alcohol, verbal abuse towards staff and the public, trespassing, property damage, and climbing on rooftops. A multi-agency approach is in place to share intelligence, support prosecutions, and disrupt their activities. CCTV operators are fully aware of the individuals involved and regularly report incidents to the Force Control Room, while also encouraging members of the Deal/Dover Partnership Against Crime to do the same. Problem Management Plans are in place for the individuals, derelict buildings, and key locations.

Support from the Neighbourhood Task Force, the Child-Centred Policing Team, and the Local Authority’s Community Crime Prevention Team has been vital in targeting these individuals and providing reassurance to the community.

Additionally, there has been a resurgence of adult street drinkers gathering in St George’s Garden of Rest. The main offenders have been identified and are being managed through Community Protection Warnings, enforcement of Public Space Protection Orders, alcohol seizures, and increased visible patrols in the area.

Noise disturbance.

Liaison has taken place with Dover District Council (DDC) regarding noise disturbances. Noise complaints are managed by the Environmental Crime Team, who will attend and monitor locations where reports are made. If persistent noise is identified, efforts will be made to trace the source, and enforcement action will be taken by DDC where necessary. Within this ward, The Bohemian Public House is currently under review following complaints of late-night noise, particularly from the garden area. This matter is being monitored and addressed in line with established procedures.

Youths and alcohol.

Further to the antisocial behaviour (ASB) priority for this ward, Problem Management Plans (PMPs) are in place to document ongoing actions against the identified group of youths. All external partners are aware of the individuals involved, with regular multi-agency meetings held to discuss incidents, enforcement measures such as Community Protection Notices (CPNs), and safeguarding concerns. In addition to underage alcohol theft, there is suspicion of proxy sales—where adults purchase alcohol on behalf of minors. CCTV operators have been informed and successfully identified one such incident, including the adult involved, who will be spoken to.

All relevant licensed premises will be visited to discuss the issue of proxy sales and remind staff of their legal responsibilities. Support and reassurance are being provided to affected businesses, where incidents of alcohol theft, abuse, and assault have occurred. Evidence is being gathered promptly and passed to the Vulnerability and Behavioural Crime Team (VBCT) to ensure swift and effective investigation.