Dispersal order put in place over Easter weekend

A dispersal order has been put in place in a Merseyside town over the Easter weekend following reports of anti-social behaviour.

Merseyside Police will have additional powers in Kirkby until 00:00 BST on Bank Holiday Monday, when they will be reviewed.

The dispersal zone covers the areas within, including and bounded by Hall Lane, Cherryfield Drive, County Road, Webster Drive, Bewley Drive and Valley Road.

Community Policing Insp Andrew Robinson said: "Sadly there has been an increase in reports of youths causing disturbance during the school holidays, which is having a disruptive impact on businesses and shoppers in the town centre."

Dispersal orders give police officers and police community support traffic officers powers to direct people they suspect are causing or likely to cause crime, nuisance or anti-social behaviour to leave a designated area and not return for up to 48 hours.

Under the legislation, officers have the power to seize any item, including vehicles, used in the commission of anti-social behaviour.

Anyone previously directed to leave the area who then returns can be arrested.

Robinson said: "Reports include youths committing thefts, public order offences, anti-social behaviour and other incidents of crime in the town centre and at the local sports centre."

He said his force had made a significant number of arrests and carried out stop checks this week.

"I would urge parents and guardians to know where your child is and what they are up to.

"Do you want them to be causing such misery to people who are serving your community?"

Officers will be in the area over the Bank Holiday weekend to provide a visible presence and deal with any incidents, a force spokesperson said.

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