Extra police powers to tackle trouble in Eastleigh

A dispersal order's in place

Published 20th Apr 2024

A 12-hour dispersal order will be in force for parts of Eastleigh, from midday until 12am.

The order, under Section 34 of the Antisocial Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act (2014), will cover the following areas;

• Stoneham Lane

• Lakeside Country Park area

• The area in and around Eastleigh Football Club’s Silverlake Stadium

• The town centre, including train stations - Airport Parkway and Eastleigh

All the areas covered can be seen in the below maps.

The order, which has been authorised to help tackle any issues and keep local communities safe, gives our officers the power to order a person to leave the areas concerned with no return within the specified time period.

It also gives officers the power to seize anything used in the commission of ASB.

Dispersal

Those who refuse to comply with the order are committing a criminal offence and are liable for arrest.

Individuals who are aged under 16 will be taken be to their home address, and follow-up work will be done with parents.

Inspector Andy Mooge, said, "This order has been authorised to cover the time before, during and after tomorrow’s football match between Eastleigh FC and FC Halifax Town.

“It is in response to previous match days where a minority of individuals have actively sought to engage in disorder.

“The purpose of the dispersal order is to allow peaceful enjoyment of the match by all those attending.

“The tactics we are using this weekend are a robust measure to keep the public safe and ensure local people’s lives aren’t disrupted.

Anyone with any information about potential disorder before, during or after the game, should call 101, or report online via the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary website, below. Always call 999 in an emergency.

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