Concerns have been raised over growing anti-social behaviour in Deal after youngsters were seen climbing onto roofs and starting a fire in a phone box.
Groups of teenagers have also been seen drinking on the street, damaging property and acting “rowdy”, sparking concerns among traders.
Members of the Deal & Walmer Chamber of Trade and the district council are now urging anyone who spots the bad behaviour to call the police.
Last month, resident Stephanie Fuller came across yobs who had started a fire in a phone box in Deal High Street.
She threatened to film the group on her phone, before making them put out the flames.
She said: “There was a fire inside the telephone box and youths around it.
“They told me to go away and I pulled out my phone and said I’d start recording them if they didn’t put out the fire.
“A whole lot of them ran off and another one put it out.”
But this was just one incident in a series of worrying events taking place in the town.
Ms Fuller added: “Youths do get on the roofs, because they’re low.
“I see them from my art studio in the town centre because I’m high up. I don’t feel there is enough for teenagers to do here, that’s why they are doing this.”
The youngsters have been spotted on the roof of the now-closed The Original Factory Shop and the former The Regent cinema, which is also empty.
Valerie Owen, a director at Deal & Walmer Chamber of Trade, said: “Recently I walked my dog and saw a group of youths on the roof of the old Regent cinema.
“On another occasion I saw them running away from the old factory outlet. The police came but I don’t know exactly what happened.
“There are groups of youths about and I think it is because of the warm weather.
“It seems to be something recent because I don’t remember it happening last summer.”
A recent newsletter from the Chamber, published by KentOnline’s sister paper the East Kent Mercury, said: “The Chamber board has been reaching out to its membership regarding recent activities of a few youths that have been causing unacceptable damage to the high street and outlying areas.
“They have been seen on the roof of the closed The Original Factory Shop, Royal British Legion, around St Mary’s and St George’s, causing residents to be intimidated and damage to property.
“The Chamber would like businesses to report any trouble to the secretary as part of the support work they are conducting with the relevant authorities, endeavouring to find a positive solution.
“If you see any activities happening ring 999.”
Traders the Mercury spoke did not want to be named, but agreed there was trouble from louts.
The Original Factory Shop closed last September and one trader said: “Since then windows have been broken at the property and I have regularly seen police having to go into the building.”
Another said: “There is a regular problem of youths getting on roofs and police have been called.”
A third trader said: “There have been problems in the last few months with a lot of kids drinking alcohol in the area.
“A few weeks ago one of them broke a bottle, shattering the glass on the ground.
“A number of youths hang around outside St George’s church at about 5pm or so and can be very rowdy. They tend to be aged 13 to 17 and are boys and girls.”
A spokesperson for the Royal British Legion said they are “aware of reports surrounding the club” which are a “matter for the police”, and would not elaborate further.
In May it was revealed Tides leisure centre’s pool building is to be demolished earlier than planned for public safety.
It was meant to be knocked down next winter but chiefs at Dover District Council (DDC) announced it will now happen this summer, after it was the target of break-ins.
The adjacent disused nursery building has also been targeted by vandals.
In regards to the anti-social behaviour in the town centre, a spokesperson for DDC said they are aware of the concerns.
They added: “We continue to work with Kent Police and our community safety partners to keep Deal and the district a safe place to live, work and visit.
“We continue to work with partners, including local businesses, to keep Deal town centre safe and secure.
“Illegally climbing on roofs is extremely dangerous, and if members of the public see anyone doing this, they should contact the police immediately.”
Kent Police has also been approached for comment.
