'Dispersal order' issued in Suffolk village as police try to tackle anti-social behaviour
Police have been granted the power to tell people to leave the area around the river in Bures
Police have been granted additional powers to tackle anti-social behaviour in a Suffolk village, after concens about people gathering close to the River Stour.
The Dispersal Order applies to Bures and will be in place for 48 hours this weekend, from Friday (June 30) at 6pm until 6pm on Sunday (July 2).
It gives officers the power to tell individuals or groups to leave the area for up to 48 hours, if "behaviour has resulted, or is likely to result in, a member of the public being harassed, intimidated, alarmed or distressed."
If they refuse to comply they could face a fine of up to £5,000, or six months in prison.
Inspector Ben Hollands, of Suffolk Constabulary, said: "We are imposing this order in response to some anti-social behaviour in the area and it gives officers extra powers when it comes to dealing with anti-social behaviour."
"This measure gives us more options, alongside our powers of arrest, when dealing with those causing problems. We are also focussing additional resources on tackling issues in this area.
“We have seen an increase in reports of ASB linked to the warmer weather and the gathering of youngsters with reports of drunken behaviour, unnecessary noise and littering and the consequential detrimental impact this has for people using the park and local residents.”