Dispersal order issued to tackle anti-social behaviour

A dispersal order has been issued for an area of Stoke-on-Trent in order to assist officers in tackling anti-social behaviour (ASB).

 

The dispersal order starts at 3pm today (Thursday 13 October) and will end at 11pm today and has been granted for use within the Meir area.

This will cover Bright Street, Weston Road, Penfleet Avenue, Woodgate Street, Stanton Road into George Avenue, the footway and bridge from George Avenue to Mollison Road into Grangewood Road, Ednam Place, Chatsworth Place, over the waste ground to the rear of Pickford Place, including Meir Community Centre, to the Box Lane footbridge over the A50 and the footpath from Box Lane to Broadway, back to Bright Street.

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 crime and disorder as well as the public being harassed, alarmed or distressed.

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.

It comes following reports of a number of individuals being involved in criminal damage, disturbances and being abusive towards staff at local businesses and members of the public.

Inspector Eloise Bowen, of Stoke South Local Policing Team, said: “Officers will be patrolling the area to tackle any instances of crime or anti-social behaviour.

“We are committed to proactively addressing reports of anti-social behaviour which we know has a profound impact on local residents and businesses.

“We continue to work with partner agencies to resolve 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.”

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.