Extra Police To Patrol Town In Run-Up To World Cup

Extra police officers will be out on patrol in Dover and Deal from Thursday night (11 March), with a zero-tolerance approach to disorderly louts and reckless licensees.

Kent Police has managed to get Home Office funding towards the nationwide Alcohol Misuse Enforcement Campaign, which runs from now until the start of the World Cup.

Officers will be targeting those who sell alcohol to under18s, bars and clubs that promote irresponsible and rowdy behaviour and drunken people who cause violent disorder.

Those that purchase alcohol on behalf of underage drinkers will also be targeted and dealt with by way of a fixed penalty notice.

The aim of the campaign is to help ensure that the Dover district enjoys a safe start to the summer and people are able to enjoy the warmer evenings without having their fun spoilt by a small number of irresponsible individuals.

The area boasts many fine night spots, several of which have recently been awarded the Safer Socialising Award in recognition of their commitment to providing a safe and enjoyable environment.

There has also been a significant reduction in alcohol-related violence since November 2005 when the Three Strikes scheme where people get a 'yellow card' warning if they are arrested for an alcohol related offence.

125 people have been dealt with under the three strikes scheme and four of them have been issued with 'red card' warnings and banned from all participating pubs and clubs.

Acting Sergeant Chris Birmingham said: "We will be using high visibility patrols in the town centres and anti-social behaviour 'hot spots' with a robust approach to drunkenness and disorderly behaviour.

"This should provide reassurance to the majority of people that want to enjoy the local night life in a safe and sociable way."

Folkestone and Dover are known as places where Kent Police take a tough stance against drunkenness and alcohol-related anti-social behaviour, and this is the fourth time they have proactively been involved in the Alcohol Misuse Enforcement Campaign. This has been highlighted in the national media on BBC television's 'Drunk and Dangerous' programmes in January 2005 and February 2006.