Dispersal zone to be in place this weekend in Kirkby town centre

A dispersal zone will be in place this weekend in Kirkby town centre following recent reports of youths causing anti-social behaviour.

The order will become active at 6pm today (Friday 13 March) and will remain in place until 5.59pm on Sunday 15 March. There will be a high visible police presence with officers in the area to deal with any incidents.

Some of the recent reports we've received include large groups of youths causing criminal damage, stealing from shops, committing public order offences and intimidating members of the public and staff who work in the area.

The dispersal zone covers the areas within, including and bounded by Hall Lane/Cherryfield Drive, Hall Lane/County Road, County Road/Webster Drive and Webster Drive/Cherryfield Drive.

The order comes under Section 35 of the Anti-Social Behaviour & Policing Act 2014, which gives police officers and police community support traffic officers powers to direct people they suspect are causing or likely to cause crime, nuisance or anti-social behaviour to members of the public to leave a designated area and not return for up to 48 hours. 

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. 

Kirkby Community Policing Inspector Andrew Robinson said: “We have received reports in recent weeks of youths causing anti-social behaviour and causing a nuisance to people who live and work in Kirkby town centre. 

“Incidents include criminal damage, causing a disturbance in shops, swearing and being abusive to members of the public and staff.

“We have proactively put this dispersal in place to prevent youths gathering and causing unnecessary distress and intimidation to people who want to go about their business without fear or harm.  

“We have increased patrols in the area, and this latest action of a dispersal zone is to deal with any issues and prevent offences from taking place.

“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 your child is and what they are up to. Do you want them to be causing such misery to people who are serving your community?

“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.”

Anyone with information on antisocial behaviour 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.