This week Knowsley Council’s Crime and Communities Team has been working in partnership with Merseyside Police to address issues of anti-social behaviour in Halewood.
Following a Dispersal Zone in Halewood last week (Friday 3 – Sunday 5 March), the team – dedicated to tackling crime and anti-social behaviour in Knowsley – visited a number of young people who had been seen in the area and given dispersal notices.
The Dispersal Zone was put in place by Knowsley’s policing team, following community reports of anti-social behaviour in the area. The order gives police 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.
The Crime and Communities Team have contacted 11 young people who were served with the notice, to speak to them about their actions and its impact on the community.
Inspector Mark Berry, Knowsley’s Local Policing Team said: “Anti-social and criminal behaviour will not be tolerated, and the introduction of Dispersal Zones gives us the power to disperse groups causing such issues, and to provide reassurance to the vast majority of law-abiding Knowsley residents.
“By working with the Crime and Communities Team we can follow up on the action we have taken to reinforce and remind these young people of the impact of their behaviour.”
Cllr Shelley Powell, Knowsley’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods said:
“We are committed to tackling crime and anti-social behaviour here in Knowsley for the benefit of all our residents.
“We welcomed this Dispersal Zone in Halewood and hope it reassures residents of the work being done to address the issues that matter to them. What’s more, this action has given us the insight and the opportunity to link in with some of the young people that may have been causing nuisance and distress to residents. By talking to them and understanding their motivations and general views we can try to get to the root of the issue. We want to work with young people to stop the blight of anti-social behaviour and direct them to a different pattern of behaviour – one that will contribute positively to the local area. It is something we have done in other parts of the borough and is part of our work to prevent crime and anti-social behaviour across Knowsley.”
REPORT IT
If you are experiencing anti-social behaviour or are a victim of a crime you are encouraged to report this to Merseyside Police via 101 or online www.merseyside.police.uk/
If there is anything you would like to discuss in confidence with our Crime and Communities Team please email Safer.Knowsley@knowsley.gov.uk