Dispersal order at Gloucester Quays after reports of anti-social behaviour
Police have put a dispersal order in place at Gloucester Quays and Peel Retail Park after reports of anti-social behaviour by a group of teenagers.
The Section 35 order began at 8am today (Tuesday 20 January) and will run until 8am on Thursday (January 22).
It follows reports of an increased number of incidents involving large groups of youths in the Quays over the past few days.
Police say this includes intimidating members of the public and shop workers, theft, criminal damage and assault.
The order allows officers to direct any groups of two or more to leave the area for up to 48 hours, if it is believed that the behaviour of the group is likely to result in members of the public being harassed, alarmed or distressed.
Anyone who has been directed to leave the designated area by an officer and who returns within that time frame, can be arrested.
Sergeant Liz Lovell from the Gloucester Neighbourhood Policing Team said: "After continued reports of teenagers causing anti-social behaviour in parts of our city, we are taking action to ensure everybody's safety.
"We will not tolerate anyone who believes they can act above the law.
"Everybody has the right to live in and visit our city without fear, and we will take action against anybody demonstrating this irresponsible behaviour."