Dispersal zone to be introduced this weekend in Prescot

We will be introducing a dispersal zone in Prescot today (Friday 25 February) in response to continued reports of anti-social behaviour in the area. 

The order runs from 6pm today until 6pm on Sunday 27th February and will last for 48 hours. Officers will be in the area to provide a visible presence and deal with any incidents.

The dispersal zone covers Cables Retail Park, and surrounding roads including Warrington Road, Bridge Road, Sewell Street. Market Place, Layton Way.

The order comes under Section 35 of the Anti-Social Behaviour 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.

If someone has previously been told to leave the area by an officer but then returns, an offence would be committed, which they may ultimately be arrested for.

Community Inspector Simon Peers said: “We have introduced this dispersal zone as an extra precaution in response to recent reports of criminal damage and acts of violence by groups of youths in the area that has caused alarm, harassment and distress within the community. 

“Recent incidents include youths throwing furniture, making homophobic comments and being abusive towards staff and residents by refusing to leave stores or restaurants and smoking inside the premises. 

“This behaviour will not be tolerated and extra officers will remain in Huyton town centre to disperse any groups causing such incidents, and to provide reassurance to the vast majority of law-abiding people in the area. Action will be taken to stop reckless acts of anti-social behaviour to make sure that everyone can feel safe where they shop or work. 

“Rest assured, you can pass any information about anti-social behaviour in your community to us and we will take action.

“If you witness any anti-social behaviour over the next 48 hours or have any information about such incidents, please contact or speak to our officers.”

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 Crime stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their online form at: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/give-information.

You can also follow @MerPolKnowsley on Twitter and Facebook for updates and advice.