Dispersal order for New Forest village
It's after sling-shots have been used to fire ball bearings
Last updated 6th Mar 2023
Police are vowing to be 'robust and proactive' after problems in a part of the New Forest, where sling-shots have been used to fire ball bearings.
A dispersal order is in place for Bransgore and Thorney Hill.
The dispersal zone (pictured) is in force until 10.28am on Wednesday 8 March.
The dispersal order gives officers the power to order a person to leave the area with no return within the specified time period. 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 Darren Ord said: “We are aware that there is a great deal of local concern following these incidents, and we want to assure our communities that we will be robust and pro-active in dealing with these issues.
“We know it is only a small number of people involved in this behaviour, but even so the impacts are far reaching and have a negative impact on the lives of local residents.
“Our officers will be conducting high-visibility patrols for reassurance as well as disruption. If you have witnessed or been affected by this behaviour please continue to report it to us so we can target our patrols and take further proactive action.”
Anyone with information about crime or anti-social behaviour is asked to phone 101 or submit information via our online reporting tool.
If a crime is in progress phone 999.