A dispersal order has been introduced in a UK town this Easter Bank Holiday weekend following reports of antisocial behaviour in the area. The order in Kirkby, Merseyside, began at 3pm on Saturday, April 4, and will end at midnight on Monday, April 6, where it will be further reviewed.
Police will be in the area to maintain a visible presence and address any incidents. The Kirkby dispersal zone covers the areas within, including and bounded by the Hall Lane, Cherryfield Drive, County Road, Webster Drive, Bewley Drive and Valley Road.
Community Policing Insp Andrew Robinson said: “Sadly, there has been an increase in reports of youths causing disturbance during the school holidays, which is having a disruptive impact on businesses and shoppers in the town centre.
“Reports include youths committing thefts, public order offences, antisocial behaviour and other incidents of crime in the town centre and at the local sports centre.
“We have made significant arrests and stop checks this week, and this proactive work continues with measures such as this dispersal zone to ensure people visiting the area are not subjected to such mindless behaviour.
“I would urge parents and guardians to know where your child is and what they are up to. Do you want them to be causing such misery to people who are serving your community?
“If you witness any antisocial behaviour or have any information about such incidents, please contact or speak to our officers, and we will take action.”
The order comes under Section 34 of the Anti-Social Behaviour & Policing Act 2014, which gives police officers and police community support traffic officers powers to direct people they suspect are causing or likely to cause crime, nuisance or antisocial behaviour to members of the public to leave a designated area and not return for up to 48 hours. Under the legislation, officers have the power to seize any item, including vehicles, used in the commission of antisocial behaviour.
Should a person who has previously been directed to leave the area return, an offence would be committed, for which they may ultimately be arrested.
Anyone with information on antisocial behaviour in their area is asked to contact Merseyside Police social media desk via X @MerPolCC or on Facebook ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ or call 101.
You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their website: Giving information | Crimestoppers. In an emergency, always call 999.