Violent yobs force seaside town to hire private patrol

A SEASIDE town has been forced to hire private security officers to patrol its streets after being plagued by antisocial behaviour.

- By Jennifer Pinto

Community leaders say Herne Bay in Kent, which is famed for its pier and picturesque seafront, has experienced its “worst summer in memory”.

Incidents have included schoolchildren killing ducks with catapults and Nazi salutes being aimed at German visitors.

Terrified residents, who have been spat at by the yobs, say the situation has been improved by the new security patrols, along with police placing more officers on the streets.

However, Conservative councillor for Herne Bay, Dan Watkins, said: “I’ve been a councillor for six years and this is by far the worst I’ve ever known it. Sadly, the town in the last few months has really suffered from a wave of antisocial behaviour.

“The offenders have taken it upon themselves to bring catapults down to the park and fire them at birds. Several birds have been injured and even killed.”

In another incident, police were called after a coach of German exchange students arriving in Herne Bay were met with Nazi salutes and abuse from a gang of youths.