Man arrested as officers continue to target anti-social behaviour

We’ve arrested a man after issuing a dispersal notice in Stoke-on-Trent as part of ongoing efforts to tackle anti-social behaviour (ASB) and crime in the city.

A Section 34 notice was issued in Longton town centre last night (Tuesday 11 June) following persistent reports of ASB from residents and businesses in the area.

We also arrested a man following reports that a small group of people were throwing rocks at a shop on Bath Road and causing damage to public transport stations.

A 32-year-old man, from Stoke-on-Trent, was arrested on suspicious of causing criminal damage. He was given an out of court disposal order.

We’re continuing to use a variety of tools to proactively target those engaging in ASB and associated criminality across the city, including more dispersal notices.

The orders 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.

As part of the powers, we 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.

Commander for Stoke South, Chief Inspector Dave Barrow, said: “We take reports of anti-social behaviour extremely seriously as we understand the impact this can have on our communities. We will also continue to work with partners to tackle these issues and support victims.

“I want to take this opportunity to thank those who reported these issues to us and encourage others who have been or are effected by anti-social behaviour to get in touch so we can deal with the matter and offer our specialist support.”

Anyone with any concerns can contact us by reporting online at www.staffordshire.police.uk/report, messaging us on our Live Chat via our website or call 101. 

If you’ve been affected by anti-social behaviour, you can also call the Harmony ASB support service provided by Victim Support across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent on 0330 1757 258. Lines are open 9am-5pm between Monday – Friday.