Dispersal Zone to be issued this weekend in Woolton following Anti-Social Behaviour

We are introducing a Dispersal Zone in Woolton this weekend following further reports of antisocial behaviour amongst groups of youths in the area. 
 
The order runs from 2pm tomorrow, Friday 7 October, until 1.59pm on Sunday 9 October, and officers will be in the area to provide a visible presence and deal with any incidents.
 
The Dispersal Zone covers the area bounded in the map and includes Menlove Avenue, Beaconsfield Road, Woolton Hill Road, Rose Brow, Hunts Cross Avenue, Kings Drive, Speke Road, School Lane, Camp Hill Woods Footpath, High Street, Allerton Road.
 
Explaining the action being taken this weekend, Community Policing Inspector Neil Birkett said: “In August we saw similar issues in Woolton Village and feedback from residents and our own reports suggest it was effective in reducing such issues for some time afterwards. 
 
“However, recently we have been dealing with further incidents in this area, including youths congregating in large groups and intimidating people and using fireworks in Camp Hill Park and in the village. The scenes witnessed last weekend were completely unacceptable.  We know the distress that such reckless behaviour can cause, and the risk it carries to people in the street, so we’re committed to using all available powers to take action. 
 
“This order is just one tactic we employ, and we’re also working closely with the local Councillors, partners, businesses, residents, schools, parents and guardians to reduce such incidents.”
 
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 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.
 
Inspector Birkett continued: "I want to stress that the dispersal zone is not designed to prevent young people, or anyone else, from meeting in the area this weekend. The dispersal zone is designed to give us the powers we need to deal effectively with anti-social behaviour and keep our community in Woolton safe.
 
“If you are out and about in Woolton this weekend and have any concerns, please speak to our officers out on patrol or contact us so we can take action.”
 
“As we approach the Bonfire period we would be grateful for any information around the illegal sale of fireworks to young people”
 
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.