A Dispersal Zone is being introduced in the area of Broadway in Norris Green today, Thursday 23rd June, following reports of a number of incidents of antisocial behaviour.
The order starts at 4pm today and last until 4pm on Saturday 25th June, and officers will be in the area to deal with any incidents.
The start of the dispersal zone, outlined by the map, begins at Utting Avenue including the junction up to Lambourne Road then around the roundabout onto Utting Avenue East up to and including Lorenzo drive towards Broad Lane around the roundabout back down onto Broad Lane towards Utting Avenue.
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.
The order has been introduced following reports of an in increase in crime and anti-social behaviour in the area including shop theft, criminal damage and assault.
Acting Inspector Paul Makin said: “We have proactively put this Dispersal Zone in place following an increase in crime and antisocial behaviour in the area around Broadway. Last night Broadway had to be closed while officers dealt with a number of youths causing damage from a derelict building which included the throwing of missiles at members of the public and attending police officers. A number of youths were detained at the scene and arrested for criminal damage and other offences. This caused significant disruption to our community.
“This behaviour is unacceptable will not be tolerated. Merseyside Police will work alongside the community, and partner agencies to ensure that anyone responsible will be identified and dealt with using all available legislation.
“The order isn’t designed to impact upon the vast majority of law-abiding members of the community but to deal with any issues, prevent offences from taking place and ensure residents and businesses are not subjected to any anti-social or criminal behaviour. In addition to the dispersal zone there are long term problem solving measures ongoing.”
Anyone who wishes to report anti-social or criminal behaviour in their community can contact @MerPolCC, 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Always call 999 in an emergency.
