Merseyside Police has introduced a Dispersal Order in Wirral following recent incidents of crime and anti-social behaviour, which have included arson and public order offences.
The order runs until 2pm on Thursday 11 August, where 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 area inside the map, including New Ferry, Bebington and Port Sunlight.
These reports relate to groups of youths congregating, some of whom have been involved in criminal damage offences and have caused harassment, alarm, and distress to residents and businesses in the community.
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.
Under the legislation, officers have the power to seize any item, including vehicles, 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 for.
Wirral Community Policing Inspector Peter Rexwinkel said, “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.
“This order is not designed to prevent decent, law-abiding people from visiting the parks and green spaces in the area. It is to deter those whose behaviour affects the enjoyment that all of us should find in such places.
“We have an increased police presence around these areas and will take action when issues are reported.
“I would also urge parents and guardians to know where young people in your care are, to further assist us in dealing with those who cause trouble.”
Anyone who wishes to report anti-social or criminal behaviour can contact @MerPolCC, 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Always call 999 in an emergency.
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