Section 60 and dispersal zone orders introduced in St Helens
Police say the additional powers are in response to reports of anti-social behaviour
St Helens is currently under a Section 60 order and a dispersal zone following recent disturbances and anti-social behaviour in the area.
The Section 60 order began today and runs until 9am on Monday, 16th March, covering a large area that includes major roads such as East Lancashire Road and Bold Lane.
Implemented under the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, this order grants officers enhanced stop and search powers within the designated area to curb serious violence.
Additionally, a dispersal zone has been put in place from 10am today until 2pm today, which will be further reviewed.
The dispersal zone covers areas bounded by East Lancashire Road, Abbey Road, Hard Lane, and Rainford Road A570.
Under Section 34 of the Anti-Social Behaviour & Policing Act 2014, this empowers officers and community support traffic officers to direct individuals suspected of causing or likely to cause crime, nuisance, or anti-social behaviour to leave the designated area and not return for up to 48 hours.
Officers can also seize items, including vehicles, used in antisocial behaviour.
Local Policing Chief Inspector Steve Robinson said: “We’re introducing this Section 60 Order as an extra response and provide us with the powers needed to stop and search people in the area following disorder which is causing distress to residents in the community.
“This order is one of a number of measures we are taking to disrupt those who would assault or use weapons on anyone in the area.
“Extra officers will be in the area to search any individuals or groups causing such issues, and to provide reassurance to the vast majority of law-abiding people in the community.
“Such action isn’t about bothering anyone going about their daily business or preventing people from meeting with friends. It’s simply about taking action to reduce violence and make sure that everyone can feel safe where they live.
“Patrols have also been stepped up to reassure our residents so if you have any information on any offences in the area please speak with our officers."
Discussing the dispersal zone, Robinson added: “We have proactively put this dispersal in place to prevent any unnecessary distress to people who want to go about their business without fear or harm.
“We have increased patrols in the area, and this latest action of a dispersal zone is to deal with any issues and prevent offences from taking place.
“This order is to ensure no one is subjected to any such behaviour, and I would ask people to continue reporting any concerns and we will take action.”