Dispersal order underway in part of the Wirral after rise in ASB reports
It started last night and runs until tomorrow night
A dispersal zone has been introduced in Liscard in response to an increase in reports of anti-social behaviour in the area.
The order began at 5.30pm yesterday, Saturday 23th March, and will last for 48 hours until 5.30pm on Monday 25th March.
Officers will be in the area to provide a visible presence and deal with any incidents.
The dispersal zone covers Wallasey Road, Liscard Road, Parkside, Hampstead Road, Poulton Road, Oxton Road, Love Lane, Greenheys Road, Leominster Road, Mill Lane and St Albans. The order also encompasses Liscard Way and Central Park.
The order comes under Section 34 of the Anti-Social Behaviour & Policing Act 2014, which gives police 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. These powers will not be used for anyone visiting the area and going about their daily business.
Under the legislation, officers have the power to seize any item 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.
Inspector Simon Rowland said: “We have proactively put this dispersal zone in place in response to reports involving anti-social behaviour in the area, which is having an impact on businesses and people visiting Liscard town centre and Central Park.
“We have increased patrols in the area to deal with any issues, and this dispersal zone gives officers extra powers to approach people they suspect may be there to commit anti-social behaviour or other crimes.
“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 young people in your care are, to further assist us in dealing with those who cause trouble.
“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.”
Always call 999 if a crime is in progress. You can pass any information on anti-social behaviour via our social media desk @MerPolCC on Twitter or 'Merseyside Police Contact Centre' on Facebook.
You can also contact the independent charity Crime stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their online form at: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/give-information.