Dispersal order introduced in Liverpool city centre

We are introducing a Section 34 Dispersal Order in Liverpool City Centre as part of a continued response to reports of anti-social behaviour in the area.

The order runs from 3pm today (Thursday 4 April) until 1am tomorrow (Friday 5 April) and includes the area shown on the map, as follows:

The River Mersey, St Nicholas Place, Chapel Street, Tithebarn Street, Great Crosshall Street, Byrom Street, William Brown Street, Lime Street, Renshaw Street, Berry Street, Great Georges Street, St James Place, Stanhope Street and Mariners Wharf.

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 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, for which they may ultimately be arrested.

Liverpool Community Policing Inspector Jack Woodward said: “We are introducing this order following reports of youths gathering in Liverpool City Centre, causing anti-social behaviour and other offences which are having a negative impact on businesses, residents and visitors alike.

“We want Liverpool City Centre to remain a welcoming place, and this order is not for those people going about their daily business, but to deal with those who cause alarm and distress with their actions.

“Our patrols have been increased in the area to deal with any issues, and this order is an additional measure we can use to prevent any criminality from taking place.

“Officers will carry extra powers to approach people they suspect may be there to commit anti-social behaviour or other crimes, and I want to provide reassurance to those people in the community who are affected by such issues that we take such incidents very seriously.

“I would also urge parents and guardians to know where young people in your care are, to further assist us in dealing with those who cause trouble.

“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.”

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.