Extra powers for police to tackle "racing" drivers in picturesque village
Hundreds of people have descended on Warsash near Fareham during the warm weather
Last updated 11th Jun 2023
Police have been given extra powers to tackle people driving cars dangerously in a village near Fareham.
The dispersal order in force until 6.00am on Monday means officers can force people involved in anti-social behaviour in Warsash to move on.
Police will be patrolling Passage Lane and the surrounding areas.
Hundreds of people have been gathering in the village and on the Strawberry Field at the edge of the River Hamble during the warm weather.
Those who refuse to comply with the dispersal order are committing a criminal offence and could be arrested.
A resident wrote on Facebook: "It is a shame that for the last hour they have been racing up and down Brook Lane which doesn't appear to be included in the dispersal zone.
"Let's hope someone sorts these cars out before one of them ends up killing themselves, their passengers or a member of the general public that dare to walk these roads at gone 7pm!"
Police said children aged under 16 who are causing problems would be taken home and "follow-up work" would be done with their parents.
Sergeant Pete Rackham said: "Anti-social behaviour makes the lives of local people miserable.
"We encourage those affected to please keep reporting this to us so we can establish the scale of the problem and determine the most effective tactics to tackle it.
"We’re aware of community concerns in other areas, such as Segensworth and Whiteley.
"We continue to monitor this and will be patrolling the areas, as well as looking at using any effective tactics at our disposal where it is necessary and proportionate to do so."
Anyone with information about anti-social behaviour is asked to contact police on 101, or submit information online here: https://orlo.uk/s2r2x