Dispersal zone introduced in Speke

This weekend we are introducing a Section 34 dispersal zone in Speke following an increase in reports of antisocial behaviour, including a report of youths starting a fire on a bus.

The dispersal zone is just one tool deployed in the area to help combat anti-social behaviour which has caused significant disruption to the community, with bus routes diverted.

We have already enhanced hi-visibility patrols in the area and engaged with local schools through Safer Schools Officers throughout December and January. A joint community surgery was held Morrisons in Speke on Thursday with partners for residents to express any concerns, a CCTV van is patrolling the area and Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service have also deployed their Street Intervention Team and will be out again over the weekend.

The order is in place from 5pm tonight, Friday 16 January until 5pm on Sunday 18 January, and includes the area bounded by Speke Boulevard with the junction of Western Avenue, Western Avenue with the junction of Clough Road, Clough Road onto Alderfield Drive, Alderfield Drive onto Hale Drive, Hale Drive onto Hale Road, Hale Road to the junction with Speke Hall Avenue, Speke Hall Avenue onto the junction with Speke Boulevard.

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 Michelle Ingram said: “We have undertaken a range of measures to tackle anti-social behaviour in Speke, and this dispersal zone will provide us with extra powers to remove people causing trouble, or likely to cause trouble.

“The dispersal zone aims to reassure the community in Speke, including residents, bus drivers and other people working in the area, and we hope those people will welcome seeing more officers in the area tackling this behaviour.

“We would ask that people continue to support us as we take this action, so we can ensure resources are in the right places. We would also ask parents and guardians to speak to children and young people and stress to them the dangers of engaging in anti-social behaviour.”

Anyone with information on ASB in their area is asked to contact Merseyside Police social media desk via X @MerPolCC or on Facebook ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’.

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.