Dispersal order continues in Woolton

A Dispersal Order continues in Woolton this weekend following recent incidents of antisocial behaviour in the area.

The order starts from 2pm today, Friday 14 October, and will last for 48 hours until 1.59pm on Sunday 16 October. Officers will remain in the area to provide a visible presence and deal with any incidents.

The dispersal zone covers Menlove Avenue, Beaconsfield Road, Woolton Hill Road, Rose Brow, Hunts Cross Avenue, Kings Drive, Speke Road, School Lane, Camp Hill Woods Footpath, High Street and Allerton Road.

These reports relates to recent incidents of anti-social behaviour in the area, including fires and youths congregating in large groups, intimidating people and using fireworks in Camp Hill Park and in the village.

 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 Neil Birkett said: “This is an ongoing police operation where we continue to increase our police presence in the village, particularly in areas where there has been issues reported.

“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.

“We continue put the dispersal order in place to give officers in the area extra powers to approach people they suspect may be there to commit anti-social behaviour or other crimes.

“We will be in the area to provide reassurance to those people who simply want to shop or visit our neighbourhood without having to be confronted with this behaviour.

“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.

“In addition, we ask people to contact us with any information around the illegal sale of fireworks to young people.

“If you witness any anti-social behaviour or have any information about such incidents, please contact or speak to our officers and we will take action.”

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.