Another city dispersal zone issued today

Merseyside Police have issued a Dispersal Zone today, Thursday 6 March, which will be in place for Liverpool city centre following an increase in reports of criminal and anti-social behaviour in the area.
 
This second order runs from 4pm today and will last until 12.59am on Friday 7 March. Officers will be in the area to provide a visible presence and deal with any incidents.
 
The dispersal zone covers William Brown Street, London Road, Seymour Street, Russell Street, Clarence Street, Rodney Street, Upper Duke Street, Great George Street, Nelson Street, Bridgewater Street, Chaloner Street, Queens Wharf, Kings Parade, Mann Island, George Place, St Nicholas Place, Chapel Street, Tithebarn Street, Great Crosshall Street and Byrom Street.
 
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, which they may ultimately be arrested.
 
Liverpool Neighbourhood Local Policing Inspector Jack Woodward said: “Today we are again proactively putting this dispersal zone across the city centre in response to reports of anti-social behaviour. This is because there are groups of youths coming into the city centre from the wider Liverpool and Merseyside area intent on causing anti-social behaviour.
 
“We have increased patrols in the city centre to deal with any issues. This dispersal zone gives officers in the area extra powers to approach people they suspect may be there to commit anti-social behaviour or other crimes.
 
“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. 
 
“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. I would also encourage anyone who has been issued a Direction to Leave notice not to come back into the City Centre during the time that has been specified to them by officers, by coming back into the City Centre you are likely committing an offence and will be liable to being arrested”
 
“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 Crime stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their online form at: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/give-information.
 
You can also follow @MerPolWirral on Twitter and Facebook for updates and advice.