Further Dispersal Zone introduced in Prescot

We are introducing a further Dispersal Zone in Prescot today (Friday 17 September) in response to reports of anti-social behaviour in the area.

The order will run from 7pm today until 6.59pm on Sunday 19 September, due to continued reports of anti-social behaviour, violence and criminal damage.

Since the initial Dispersal Zone issued earlier this week, further incidents occurred yesterday (Thursday 16 September) in which youths were near to shops on Molyneux Drive throwing rubbish around, making excessive noise and causing harassment, alarm and distress. A group of 11 youths were issued with Dispersal Notices and taken to their home addresses. Increased patrols will again be in the area to take action against any further incidents.

The Dispersal Zone covers the area bounded in the map by Shaw Lane, Thomas Drive, Brookside Road, Molyneux Drive, Saunders Avenue and Bryer Road.

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.

Community Inspector Peter Rexwinkel said: “We’re reintroducing this Dispersal Zone as an extra response to support members of the public and businesses, who have reported youths gathering in the area and causing disorder and intimidation to local businesses and residents. We have seen a reduction of incidents but are aware of ongoing concerns from busineses and residents, so this weekend will be doing all we can to support them and disperse any such gatherings.

“Officers will be visible in the Prescot area to disperse any groups causing issues, and to provide reassurance to the vast majority of law-abiding people in the community.

“Such action isn’t about bothering anyone going about their daily business, or preventing young people from meeting with their friends. It’s simply about taking action to stop reckless acts of anti-social behaviour committed by a minority of people to make sure that everyone can feel safe where they live.

“Rest assured, you can pass any information about anti-social behaviour in your community 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.