Dispersal Zone to be introduced in Garston today

We are introducing a Dispersal Zone in Garston today, Monday 18 September, in response to an increase in reports of anti-social behaviour in the area.

The order runs from today at 3pm and will last for 48 hours until 2.59pm on Wednesday 20 September.  Officers will be in the area to provide a visible presence and deal with any incidents.

The dispersal zone covers Window Lane, Banks Road, St Mary’s Road, Kings Street and Vulcan Close.

The order comes under Section 35 of the Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and & Policing Act 2014, which gives police officers and police community support traffic officers powers to direct people who are engaging in antisocial behaviour or are likely to become involved in such incidents. These powers will not be used for anyone visiting the area and going about their daily business.

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 Policing Inspector Nicola Hamilton said: “We have received a number of reports of anti-social behaviour being committed by youths on Banks Road, Window Lane and St Marys Road.

“This includes groups of youths aged between 10 to 17 years gathering, making bonfires and setting off fireworks. They have also been intimidating residents when challenged on their behaviour.

“In response to this we have increased patrols in the area to deal with any issues, and this order is an additional measure to prevent any anti-social behaviour from taking place.

“This dispersal zone is also 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.

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.