Dispersal order announced for Basingstoke Town and Poole Town football match
Police to use additional powers to maintain public safety
A dispersal order has been put in place to ensure public safety during the football match between Basingstoke Town and Poole Town, which takes place on Saturday.
Police have been granted extra powers to effectively manage concerns about public order and anti-social behaviour around the event.
The order, under Section 34 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, will be active from 9am to 9pm on 14th February.
Recent matches raised concerns about anti-social behaviour, prompting the implementation of the order to cover the designated area, as shown on the attached map.
A Section 60aa order will also be operational for the same duration, empowering officers to remove items like masks that may conceal someone's identity.
Police can instruct individuals to leave the area without returning within a specified period if necessary.
Basingstoke Police Sergeant Karla Leese explained the purpose of the order: “We have put this order in place to ensure that fans can enjoy the match in a safe environment and so that we can respond swiftly and decisively to anyone seeking to cause disruption.”
The dispersal order aims to allow fans to enjoy the game peacefully, with officers positioned to address any concerns quickly.
“Public safety is always our priority, and I hope this dispersal order sends a clear message that we will take action against anyone whose behaviour threatens that,” Leese added.
Police will patrol the region surrounding the ground and town centre throughout the day to ensure the safety of football fans, local residents, and businesses.
Spectators with concerns can approach officers on patrol for assistance.