Police have released footage of officers intercepting a large group of youths riding bicycles dangerously through Kent towns.
The riders were seen pulling wheelies in front of traffic, weaving between cars, and shouting abuse in Birchington, Westgate on Sea and Margate.
Officers dispersed 20 children and seized 15 bicycles following the incidents caught on police camera.
The video shows police arriving at Westgate Railway Station just as the group attempted to flee.
Cutting them off, officers detained the riders, confiscated their bikes, and ordered them to leave the area.
A police spokesperson said officers responded to the calls made by members of the public during the afternoon of Saturday 9 August 2025.
“Additional measures were brought in to help deter the groups from further nuisance behaviour, including a Section 34 dispersal order that covered Westgate and Birchington for 48 hours,” they added.
“Similar orders were already in place across the three larger towns of Thanet.”
Furthermore, police also attended Hartsdown Park, in Margate, and moved on more nuisance riders – four were formally dispersed and saw their bikes seized.
Parents and guardians of all of the riders were contacted and made aware of the issues they were causing, and the children were made to leave the area or risk arrest if seen again.
Sergeant Jim Woodward added: “We thank everyone who reported the issues when they arose, as it enabled officers to quickly intervene, identify those responsible, and take steps to disrupt their behaviour.
“By weaving in and out of traffic, pulling wheelies in front of cars and people, and generally disregarding the highway code, it can cause a very serious safety concern for all road users.
“The repercussions could be far-reaching and we urge young people to socialise and cycle responsibly.”
