A dispersal zone is in place this weekend following reports of anti-social behaviour and youths causing a nuisance in Kirkby town centre.
The order is in place from 6pm today, Friday 6 March, until 5.59pm on Sunday 8 March where it will be reviewed.
There will be a high visible police presence with officers in the area to deal with any incidents.
The dispersal zone covers the areas within, including and bounded by the Hall Lane, Cherryfield Drive, Hall Lane, County Road, Webster Drive and Cherryfield Drive.
The order comes under Section 35 of the Anti-Social Behaviour & Policing Act 2014, which gives 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 members of the public to leave a designated area and not return for up to 48 hours.
Should a person who has previously been directed to leave the area return, an offence would be committed, which they may ultimately be arrested for.
Community Policing Inspector Andrew Robinson said: “Sadly we have seen a slight increase of ten reported incidents of anti-social behaviour in the past two weeks.
“Incidents include large gangs of youths outside causing a nuisance, intimidating members of the public and shop staff, causing a disturbance in shops and fast-food places by throwing items, pushing tables and stealing goods.
“We have proactively put this dispersal in place to prevent youths gathering and causing unnecessary distress and intimidation to people who want to go about their business without fear or harm.
“We will be in the area to provide reassurance to staff who work in the town centre and people who simply want to shop or visit our neighbourhood without having to be confronted with this behaviour.
“I would like to remind parents and guardians of the importance of knowing where your child is and what they are up to. Just imagine if it was your loved one who was on the receiving end of their disruptive behaviour. No parent wants a knock on their door from a police officer informing them that their child has been arrested or even been involved in a serious accident.
“If you witness any anti-social behaviour or have any information about such incidents, please contact or speak to our officers and we will take action.”
Anyone who wishes to report anti-social or criminal behaviour can contact @MerPolCC, 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Always call 999 in an emergency.
Anyone with information on antisocial behaviour in their area is asked to contact Merseyside Police social media desk via X @MerPolCC or on Facebook ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’.
You can also report information via our website: Report a crime | Merseyside Police or call 101.
Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their website here: Giving information | Crimestoppers . In an emergency always call 999.