Dispersal Zone introduced in Huyton village and Bluebell Estate

A Dispersal Zone is being introduced in Huyton today following recent reports of anti-social behaviour and crime in the area. 
 
The order started at 4pm today, Thursday 25 November until 3:59pm on Saturday 27 November 2021 where it will be further reviewed. Officers will be in the area to provide a visible presence and deal with any incidents. 
 
The Dispersal Zones cover the areas bounded as per the map, and including as follows: All areas within, including and bounded by Liverpool Road, Longview Lane, King George V Memorial Playing fields, Huyton Lane, Longview Drive, following Liverpool to Wigan Railway line westerly until Kingsway and Liverpool Road. 

These reports relate to groups of youths congregating, some of whom have been involved in violence and criminal damage offences and have caused harassment, alarm, and distress to residents and businesses in the community. 
 
The order comes under Section 35 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, including vehicles, 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. 

Community Policing Inspector Rexwinkel said: “We have proactively put this dispersal in place to prevent youths gathering and causing unnecessary distress to people who want to go about their business without fear or harm.  

“As a result we have increased patrols in the area to deal with any issues and this has had a positive effect by reducing offences, particularly over Halloween/Bonfire night period. 

“This order is to ensure residents and businesses are not subjected to any such behaviour, and I would ask people to continue reporting any concerns and we will take action. 
 
“I would urge parents and guardians to know where young people in your care are, to further assist us in dealing with those who cause trouble.” 
 
Anyone who wishes to report anti-social or criminal behaviour can contact @MerPolCC, 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Always call 999 in an emergency.