Police in Hythe have new powers to dispersal troublesome youths

As a new order came into force in Hythe, they said in areas of south-east Kent which already have them, the number of 999 calls has increased.

Officers believe some residents do not realise police have powers to disperse groups of youths only if they become a nuisance, not just for hanging around.

Pc Sarah Leggitt said not all incidents justified a 999 call.

Normal patrol

"We would ask people to judge all incidents individually and think about what they are seeing," she said.

"Does it really justify a 999 call or could they get a call in to the force control room and get a patrol dispersed in the normal way?

"If you think it does justify a call to that number then by all means make it."

Hythe is the fifth area in Shepway to become a designated dispersal area.

The orders can last up to six months and allow police to disperse groups of two or more people causing "intimidation, harassment, alarm or distress" and order them not to return for 24 hours.

Unaccompanied under-16s can be taken home after 9pm.