Dispersal Zone introduced in Liverpool City Centre

We have introduced a Dispersal Zone in Liverpool city centre today, Sunday 6 June following reports of anti-social behaviour.

The order runs from 6pm today until 7am tomorrow (Monday 7 June) and officers will be in the area to provide a visible presence and deal with any incidents. 

The Dispersal Zone covers the area bounded in the map and includes: The River Mersey, St Nicholas Place, Chapel Street, Tithebarn Street, Great Crosshall Street, Byrom Street, William Brown Street, Lime Street, Renshaw Street, Berry Street, Great Georges Street, St James Place, Stanhope Street, Mariners Wharf.

The order comes under Section 34 of the Anti-Social Behaviour & Policing Act 2014, which gives police officers and police community support traffic officers powers to direct people they suspect are causing or likely to cause crime, nuisance or anti-social behaviour to members of the public to leave a designated area and not return for up to 48 hours.

Under the legislation, officers have the power to seize any item used in the commission of anti-social behaviour. 

Should a person who has previously been directed to leave the area return, an offence would be committed, which they may ultimately be arrested for.

Chief Inspector Steve Hardy said: “We’re introducing this Dispersal Zone as an extra response to support members of the public and businesses, who have reported large numbers of gatherings of youths, causing disorder and intimidation to local businesses, residents and visitors. This behaviour will not be tolerated and extra officers will remain in the area to disperse any groups causing such issues, and to provide reassurance to the vast majority of law-abiding people enjoying the city this weekend. Dispersal Zones are an additional power which we use appropriately and when required.

“Such action isn’t about bothering anyone going about their daily business. It is to ensure that the city centre remains a welcoming place for those who live, work and visit here, and to remove those who cause danger and distress with their thoughtless behaviour. Pass information to us and we will take action.”

Always call 999 if a crime is in progress. You can pass any information on anti-social behaviour via our social media desk @MerPolCC on Twitter or 'Merseyside Police Contact Centre' on Facebook. You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their online form at: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/give-information.