Dispersal order issued to crack down on anti-social behaviour

A further dispersal order has been issued for Meir Park as police continue to crackdown on anti-social behaviour (ASB).

 

The order, granted under Section 34 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, gives officers the power to disperse anyone for the purpose of or reducing the likelihood of members of the public in the locality being harassed, alarmed, distressed or the occurrence of crime and disorder.

Failing to comply with an order is a criminal offence and police can return anyone under the age of 16 to their home address. They can issue the notices for a period of up to 48 hours and anyone found breaching a notice is liable to be arrested and face further action.

The dispersal order started at 3pm today (Wednesday 31 August) and will end at 11pm today – unless extended.

It comes following reports of ASB in the area recently, with youths reportedly being involved in disturbances and also being abusive towards members of the public and staff at businesses.

The order has been granted for officers and PCSOs to use in areas within the Meir Park area, including the retails areas, as well as from Grange Road, down Grindley Lane, along the A50 to Whittle Road, along the fields that border the estate (Aerodrome) and back to Grange Road.

Inspector Alexander Gould, of Stoke South Local Policing Team, said: “Following continued calls from concerned residents and businesses, officers will be patrolling the area over the coming days to tackle any instances of crime or anti-social behaviour.

“We continue to work with partner agencies to tackle issues reported by our communities and encourage parents and guardians to ensure they know where their children are, what they are up to, and who they are with.”

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.”

Anyone with any concerns can contact Staffordshire Police by reporting online at www.staffordshire.police.uk/report or sending a direct message on Facebook or Twitter, or calling 101.