Police crackdown on problems in Portsmouth City Centre
A disperal order is in place
Police are cracking down on problems in Portsmouth city centre after a group of teenagers were seen throwing stones at buses and playing football in shops.
A dispersal order is in place from the Marketway Roundabout to the bottom of Guildhall Walk until Saturday afternoon (20th May).
It will give officers the power to beak up groups of people involved in anti-social behaviour.
Those under 16 will be taken be to their home address, and follow-up work will be done with parents.
The order also gives officers the power to seize anything used in the commission of anti-social behaviour.
Chief Inspector Pete Smith said: “We know that anti-social behaviour has a negative impact on those living and working in the area. Our dedicated city centre team have been undertaking patrols to address the issues reported to us, but this dispersal order provides us with additional powers to deal with those responsible.
“On Wednesday evening we arrested two teenage boys, aged 13 and 15, on suspicion of burglary following a break-in at Port Maid Fashions on Arundel Street. They remain in custody at this time.
"Seven other children were taken home to their parents following anti-social behaviour in the area, which has included reports of throwing stones at buses, throwing items off rooftops, and causing issues in shops by playing football or throwing things around.
"If you suspect that your kids may be involved in this kind of anti-social behaviour, please find out where they’ve been, and are going when they go out, so that they don’t breach this dispersal order.
“Anyone who witnesses anti-social behaviour or large gatherings of people whilst the dispersal order is in place should call 101 or report it to us online at www.hampshire.police.uk.
“If a crime is in progress, call 999.”