Dispersal order issued for Basingstoke town centre
Police say they won't tolerate anti-social behaviour from young people
Last updated 11th Apr 2025
A dispersal order is in place in Basingstoke this weekend following recent reports of youth-related anti-social behaviour in the town centre.
Officers implemented the dispersal order under Section 34 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 from 6pm today (Friday 11 April) until 5am on Sunday 13 April.
Dispersal orders enable police to deal with any issues of ASB in a directed area more effectively, and give 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.
Children between the ages of 10 and 16 who are issued with dispersal notices will be taken home to their parents/guardian, and officers will carry out follow-up work.
Ant-social behaviour
The order comes following recent reports of anti-social behaviour in the town centre, including:
Staff inside Londis on Alencon Link were assaulted by a group of four females at around 10pm on 10 April (44250157495).
A group of children had set fire to mats inside the play area in War Memorial Park at around 8.30pm on 10 April (44250157381).
A group of children had gained access to a roof of a building in the town centre and were spitting at people at around 7.30pm on 10 April (44250157290).
A group of children behaved in an anti-social way and were verbally abusive in the town centre at around 9.30pm on 9 April (44250156914).
Miserable
Basingstoke Town Inspector, Charlie Ilderton, said: “We want our communities to know that we are taking this issue seriously, which is why we implemented this dispersal order for this weekend.
“Anti-social behaviour and any associated criminality can make life miserable for local residents and businesses.
“We know it is the Easter holidays, and we want our young people to enjoy the warmer weather and spend time outdoors, but any youth-related anti-social behaviour and violence will not be tolerated and offenders will be dealt with robustly.
“This will ensure that everyone can enjoy the town centre and outdoor spaces free from intimidation.”