Dispersal order issued following anti-social behaviour

Officers have issued a section 34 dispersal notice in Meir Park following reports of anti-social behaviour in the area.

The notice will come into effect in the Meir Park area from 1pm today (Wednesday 24 August) and will end at 1pm on Friday (26 August).

The order allows police to disperse people from the area if they are involved in instances of anti-social behaviour and take anyone under 16 back to their home.

(Above: the disperal order affects the following area in Meir Park)

Inspector Alex Gould, of the Stoke-on-Trent South local policing team (LPT), said: “We are committed to actioning reports of anti-social behaviour which has a profound impact on local residents and businesses.

“Over the last two weeks, we have received various reports of large groups of youths causing issues in the area, including obstructing traffic, throwing stones, causing stress and behaving aggressively towards local businesses.

“We are working closely with our partners and supporting organisations in helping us combat this type of behaviour in our county – but I would also like to reassure the community that police only use these powers where necessary.

“The LPT also recognises that young people enjoy meeting up with their friends, particularly in the summer holidays, and the vast majority do not cause any problems.

“However, the force remains committed to actioning reports of anti-social behaviour. Patrols in the affected areas have been increased and we continue to target those who cause disruptions within our local communities.”

Anybody committing an offence who refuses this order can be fined up to £2,500 and/or receive a three-month prison sentence.

A dispersal order can only be put in place for a maximum of 48 hours but at the point of expiry, officers will carry-out an assessment and a further period of up to 48 hours may be granted.

If appropriate, the LPT may enforce further dispersal notices where necessary to ensure problem offenders are dealt with effectively.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council leader Abi Brown said: “We will not tolerate people who cause a nuisance in their communities and these powers support wider work being delivered in the area by council and police teams to make a positive difference.

“Our teams work with families and young people, support youth facilities and provision and carry out environmental work in the area.

“Our housing and anti-social behaviour teams work closely in the community. We want to assure residents that action is being taken and we take this matter very seriously.”