Concerns over 'wannabe gangster' teens' behaviour

Residents of a Kent seaside town say they are afraid to leave their homes and live in fear of violent, anti-social youths dubbed "wannabe gangsters".

Concerns have mounted in Herne Bay about teenagers launching catapults at ducks in Memorial Park and assaulting supermarket staff, with offenders reportedly as young as 13.

Other reported issues include vandalised shops and elderly residents being targeted, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Police and councillors will face questions from residents and businesses at a public meeting on 24 June at 18:00 BST in King's Hall.

Canterbury City Councillor Liz Harvey who organised the meeting says she has been inundated with complaints and witnessed the behaviour herself.

She said: "There seems to be a cycle of groups of kids doing this.

"They're wannabe gangsters, obviously influenced by the internet and TV, but nobody's impressed with them – everybody knows they're just kids who act hard."

One local resident described seeing teenagers firing at birds daily and collecting feathers "like trophies".

A Kent Police spokesperson confirmed they were called to Central Parade on the evening of 6 June after reports a duck was shot at, with inquiries ongoing.

Iceland in Mortimer Street also shut early recently after youths forced entry into their yard, rammed a milk dolly into the back door, and hurled stones and rocks, staff said.

One worker said a cashier arrived the next day "shaking so much" from fear.

Polly Roper, a former prison officer who now works at an independent special school, told Radio Kent that she wanted to see an end to the violence and for young people to be doing something more constructive.

She said: "I'd like to see us move forward together as a community to improve their lives."

Other reasons mooted for the issues include a lack of police visibility and accountability.

Kent Police Sergeant John Sheehan said the force is "not complacent and we don't underestimate the impact such incidents have on local residents".

He added: "Herne Bay has a dedicated team of beat officers and PCSOs focussed on tackling crime and antisocial behaviour, and we work closely with our partner agencies to ensure there is a joined up approach to concerns raised."

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