Dispersal order re-issued for Meir following anti-social behavior

A further section 34 dispersal notice will come into effect in a part of Meir from 4pm on Friday (14 January) until 4pm on Sunday (16 January) following an increase in anti-social behaviour.

The order allows police to disperse people from the central Meir area, around the A50 roundabout, if they are involved in instances of anti-social behaviour and means that anyone under the age of 16 can be returned to their home address.

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.

Chief Inspector Rob Hessell, who leads the Neighbourhood Policing Team for Meir and Meir Park, said: “We are re-issuing this dispersal notice in the interests of our local communities and putting a stop to anti-social behaviour in the area.

“We want to reassure the public that we only issue these orders when absolutely necessary. We have reasonable grounds to exercise these powers in order to alleviate community concerns and apprehend those who intend to disrupt the public and local businesses.

“We are continuing to work closely with our partners in helping us combat this type of behaviour in the city – where we want to ensure that the concerns of our communities are dealt with swiftly and effectively.

He said: “Recent reports in the area have included large groups of youths congregating in various areas which have been causing harassment, alarm or distress and disorder.

“This behaviour is impacting primarily upon residents and businesses due to the levels of disorder in the area. Section 34 powers will complement the local patrol plan for the area in providing officers legislative powers to robustly deal with the issues.”

He said: “We understand that young people want to socialise and meet up with their friends. The majority do not cause any problems, however some individuals are engaging in anti-social behaviour in the wider Meir area and are causing the community to feel intimidated and worried. We take this very seriously and we are keen to put a stop to it.”

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.”