Dispersal order in Whiston during Halloween and Bonfire period

A dispersal zone has been introduced in Whiston today, Thursday 31 October, following reports of anti-social behaviour and criminal damage in the area.

The order began at 3pm today and runs until 3pm Friday 1 November when it will be further reviewed. Officers will be in the area to provide a visible presence and deal with any incidents.

The Dispersal Zone covers the areas within the boundaries of Pottery Lane, Stadt Moers Park, Straight across to Whiston Train station, Cumber Lane, Fox’s Bank Lane, towards the M62, Windy Arbor Road and Cronton Avenue, alongside the M57 to Pottery Lane.

These dispersal zones are under Section 34/35 of the Anti-Social Behaviour & Policing Act 2014, which gives police officers the powers to direct people engaging in anti-social behaviour or are likely to become involved in such incidents and not return for up to 48 hours. Officers also have the power to seize items used for anti-social behaviour.

Should a person who has previously been directed to leave but returns to the area, then an offence would be committed, and they may be arrested.

Neighbourhood Policing Inspector David Hassett said: “We are aware there were incidents of criminal damage to cars on Cronton Avenue last night, so we have proactively put this dispersal zone in place.

“This is appalling behaviour by a small minority of youths is totally unacceptable and won’t tolerated.

“We understand the impact it has on the community and would like to reassure people that we are actively and robustly responding to the situation by putting proactive measures in place to prevent offences from taking place, along with a high-visibility police presence patrolling the area.

“Sadly, as you will appreciate not all parents play an active role. With this, I appeal to parents and guardians and urge them to know where their child is, what they are up to and friends they are with. It is not only to stop them causing unnecessary distress to residents in the area, but also for their own safety and welfare.”

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.