Dispersal Zone to be introduced in Bootle

A Section 34 Dispersal Order has been introduced on Stanley Road and parts of Bootle today (Friday 13 February) following incidents of disorder and anti-social behaviour.
 
The Section 34 Dispersal Order will run from 8pm today until Sunday 15 February at 8pm. It will cover the area shown on the map, bounded by Marsh Lane, Washington Parade, Merton Road and Litherland Road.

The order, under Section 34 the Anti-Social Behaviour & Policing Act 2014, gives officers and police community support traffic officers powers to direct people who are engaging in anti-social behaviour or are likely to become involved in such incidents away from the area.  

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. It also gives officers the power to seize any item that could be used for anti-social behaviour.

Neighbourhood Policing Inspector: Ken Sumner said: “This order has been issued following a series of incidents on Stanley Road, Bootle, particularly around the Strand Shopping Centre which has involved groups of up to 20 youths throwing eggs at people, pushing and confronting security staff and preventing store staff from leaving work.

“This dispersal zone will provide us with extra powers to remove these groups who are causing trouble, or likely to cause trouble. It is about supporting those staff in the area who have been affected in the past few weeks, not bothering those going about their business. We hope those staff working in the area and members of the public will welcome seeing more officers in the area tackling this behaviour, and speak to us with any concerns.

“I also want to ask parents and guardians to speak with their children and young people and stress to them the dangers of engaging in anti-social behaviour, and have an idea of where they are going in the evening, and who they are with.”

Anyone with information on ASB in their area is asked to contact Merseyside Police social media desk via X and Facebook @MerPolCC.

You can also report information via our website: Report a crime | Merseyside Police or call 101. 

Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their website here: Giving information | Crimestoppers . In an emergency always call 999.