Dispersal warning issued for Totton ahead of New Year
Police are looking to curb a rise in anti-social behaviour in the town centre
Police have issued a dispersal order for Totton town centre as they look to crack down on anti-social behaviour around New Year celebrations.
The order, which came into effect yesterday afternoon (Monday 30th), lasts until 4.19pm on Wednesday.
It covers the town centre and surrounding areas.
The order, under Section 34 of the Antisocial Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act (2014), is in response to recent information received, which indicated the potential for disorder in the town.
The order gives officers the power to order a person to leave the areas concerned with no return within the specified time period. They can also seize anything used in the commission of anti-social behaviour.
Those who refuse to comply with the order are committing a criminal offence and are liable for arrest.
Individuals who are aged under 16 will be taken be to their home address, and follow-up work will be done with parents.
A previous Section 60 order granting officers extra stop and search powers was issued for the area on Sunday (December 29th).
Two 16-year-old boys were arrested, both on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon in a public place.
Inspector Allan Dineley of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police said,
"Unfortunately, we are seeing a minority of people who appear intent on involving themselves in criminality and disorder in the local area.
"We will not tolerate this and are putting these measures in place to help us prevent and address these issues, and keep our communities safe.
"The tactics we are using are a robust measure to keep the public safe and ensure local people’s lives aren’t disrupted
"If you have witnessed or been affected by any of this type of behaviour in the area, please continue to report it to police, so we can target our patrols and take further proactive action."
Anyone with any information about criminality in their local area should call 101, or report online via the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary website, always calling 999 in an emergency.