Another crackdown on boy racers and nuisance driving has been ordered near a major shopping centre.

Officers will be sent to different areas around Greenthithe from today to keep a watchful eye over any drivers behaving recklessly on the roads in and around the mall.

It forms part of targeted patrols against nuisance vehicles and so-called "boy racers".

A dispersal order will also be in place until Sunday to prevent large groups of people congregating in the area, which can lead to anti-social behaviour.

It comes two weeks after a similar 48-hour order was issued following reports of modified vehicles "revving their engines, hitting their horns, and wheel spinning" around the multi-story car park behind Bluewater.

Both marked and unmarked police vehicles were deployed to the area on that occasion and nuisance drivers moved on.

Community safety unit inspector for north Kent, Trevor Jenner said: "We continually work hard to tackle anti-social behaviour, which is often caused by a minority but can have an adverse effect on a whole community.

"Our action this weekend will be to ensure that anti-social behaviour does not take place and that there is no disruption to others living, working and visiting the area."

"Our action this weekend will be to ensure that anti-social behaviour does not take place and that there is no disruption to others living, working and visiting the area.

"While we want people to enjoy their weekends, we are aware that anti-social driving and the noise associated with this can have a damaging effect on the local community, and so we will be taking robust action to prevent this, which if required, will include the seizure of vehicles."

Greenhithe residents say they are frequently kept up at night by loud street racing in Crossways Boulevard with some comparing it to a “knock-off Fast and Furious” in reference to the popular street racing movies.

The problems, which typically arise over the weekends, sees modified cars whizzing up and down the busy dual carriageway between the Dartford Crossing and Bluewater shopping centre at speeds of up to 80mph. The speed limit is 40mph.

Earlier this month Dartford council set out its intention to introduce a public space protection order to tackle anti-social gatherings.

The order will give the council and police new powers, including the ability to dish out on-the-spot fines of up to £100 – reduced to £60 if paid within 10 days.