A dispersal order is in place in Halewood following reports of anti-social behaviour in the area.
The order starts from 4pm tonight, Wednesday 18 February, until 4pm on Friday 20 February. Officers will patrol the area to provide a visible presence and deal with any incidents.
The dispersal zone covers and includes a series of estates and dead-end closes within the boundaries of Higher Road, Wood Road, Leather’s Lane and Bailey’s Lane.
The order, under Section 35 the Anti-Social Behaviour & Policing Act 2014, gives officers the powers to direct people who are engaging in anti-social behaviour or are likely to become involved in such incidents away from the area.
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. It also gives officers the power to seize any item that could be used for anti-social behaviour.
This order is part of an ongoing strategy following two incidents this week of a youths being obstructive to buses serving the community and throwing missiles at it. This is having a significant impact as Arriva has cancelled the bus service for the rest of the evening due to their unacceptable behaviour.
Local Policing Inspector Dave Hassett said: “A high visibility police presence will be patrolling the area, both officers in uniform and plain clothes, to reassure the community that we are taking action.
“This dispersal order is just one of many measures we are doing to tackle anti-social, and this dispersal zone will provide us with extra powers to remove people causing trouble, or likely to cause trouble.
“We will be in the area to provide reassurance to the bus companies and people who simply want to shop or visit our neighbourhood without having to be confronted with this behaviour.
“I would urge parents and guardians to know what your child is up when they are going out and who are they with. Have a talk with them about acceptable behaviour and impact antisocial behaviour has in the community. Do you want them to have a criminal record at such a young age?
“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 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 the 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.