A dispersal order has been put in place after reports of gangs of youths causing trouble in the area
Merseyside Police has put in place two crime prevention orders in Liverpool city centre. Police said the past two weekends have attracted large groups of youths in the city centre, with several incidents of anti-social behaviour, violence and crime reported.
In order to prevent any further incidences, a dispersal zone is in place from 3pm today (Friday) until just before 1am tomorrow, Saturday, May 17.
Officers will be in the area to provide a visible presence and deal with any incidents.
The dispersal zone covers the areas within, including and bounded by William Brown Street, London Road, Seymour Street, Russell Street, Clarence Street, Rodney Street, Upper Duke Street, Great George Street, Nelson Street, Bridgewater Street, Chaloner Street, Queens Wharf, Kings Parade, Mann Island, George Parade, St. Nicholas Place, Chapel Street, Tithebarn Street, Great Crosshall Street and Byrom Street.
The order comes under Section 34 of the Anti-Social Behaviour & Policing Act 2014, which gives police officers and police community support traffic officers powers to direct people they suspect are causing or likely to cause crime, nuisance or anti-social behaviour to members of the public to leave a designated area and not return for up to 48 hours.
Under the legislation, officers have the power to seize any item, including vehicles, used in the commission of anti-social behaviour.
Should a person who has previously been directed to leave the area return, an offence would be committed, which they may ultimately be arrested for.
Also in place is a Section 60 Order which will give officers additional powers to search suspects. This is active from 3pm today (Friday) until 3am tomorrow, Saturday 17 May. The Section 60 Order covers the same area as the dispersal zone.
The Order, under S60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, gives officers enhanced stop and search powers to stop individuals in the area (pictured) and is designed to minimise serious violence.
READ MORE: What is a Section 60 and why are they brought in?
Liverpool City Centre Neighbourhood Inspector Jack Woodward said: “We have received incidents of groups of young people gathering in areas of Liverpool city centre including Chavasse Park.
“Many have stayed out of trouble socialising with their friends, but some have been involved in anti-social behaviour, threats and intimidation. We have also responded to reports of fighting between groups.
“This issue is a top priority for our team and we are working closely alongside businesses, the council and other partners to ensure that appropriate plans are in place, especially as the good weather continues and more people want to enjoy all that the city has to offer.
“Officers will be continuing to provide a visible police presence in areas of the city centre including Chavasse Park. We regularly engage with Liverpool One and other businesses to provide reassurance, advice on crime prevention, and supporting them in reviewing CCTV to identify suspects and support prosecutions.
“The Citywatch CCTV network, run by Liverpool City Council, is also a vital resource. Liverpool city centre has comprehensive CCTV coverage, a deterrent to anyone intending to cause trouble.
“Putting in place the Section 60 Order and Section 34/35 Dispersal Powers provides us with the powers needed to stop and search people, and to remove those causing issues from a designated area.
“Such extra action isn’t about bothering anyone going about their daily business or preventing young people from meeting up with friends. It’s simply about taking action to reduce intimidation, anti-social behaviour and violence and make sure that everyone can feel safe in Liverpool city centre.
“We will not tolerate groups intimidating, threatening and frightening people visiting, living and working in Liverpool, or anywhere across Merseyside. The aim, as always, is to keep the public safe and free from the fear that can be caused by such behaviour.
“I’d also like to take this opportunity to ask parents and carers to make sure that they know where their children are, and what they are doing. If they are spending hours away from home in the evenings and weekends, be aware of their movements, both for their own safety and the safety of others.
“The vast majority of young people are well-behaved, but the parents and carers of those who cause issues can expect a knock on the door from officers, and for further action to be taken.”
Anyone with information about ASB and crime in Liverpool city centre or elsewhere is asked to DM @MerPolCC, message ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre on Facebook’ or @CrimestoppersUK on 0800 555 111 or online via: Give information anonymously | Crimestoppers.
You can also pass information anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Always call 999 if a crime is in progress.
