Dispersal Zone introduced in Huyton Village

A Dispersal Zone is being introduced in Huyton Village today following recent reports of anti-social behaviour and crime in the area.

The order will run from 3pm today, Wednesday 20 October, until 2.59pm on Friday 22 October 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: Area bounded by Archway Road junction with Tarbock Road, Tarbock Road junction with St John’s Road, St John’s Road junction with Huyton Hey Road, Huyton Hey Road junction with Victoria Road across the open land separating Victoria Road to Huyton Lane and back to Archway Road.

These reports relate to groups of youths gathering, some of whom have been involved in violence and criminal damage offences and have caused harassment, alarm, and distress to 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 Peter Rexwinkel said: “This order is a result of community concerns raised to us about youths gathering and causing intimidation and damage. It will not be tolerated and increased patrols will be in the area to deal with any issues. 

“This order isn’t about disrupting anyone carrying out their daily business, but to ensure residents and businesses are not subjected to any such behaviour, which causes stress, harm and inconvenience. Continue reporting any concerns and we will take action.

“I’d also 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.