Further dispersal order issued to crack down on anti-social behaviour

A further 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 (Friday 2 September) and will end at 3pm on Sunday (4 September) and has been granted for use within the Meir Park area.

This includes around retail outlet sites, as well as along Grange Road down to Grindley Lane, along the A50 to Whittle Road and along the fields that border the Aerodrome (?) estate.

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 disturbances; being abusive towards staff at local businesses and the public.

Inspector Alexander Gould, of Stoke South Local Policing Team, said: “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 https://www.staffordshire.police.uk/report or sending a direct message on Facebook or Twitter, or calling 101.