A Section 34 Dispersal Zone has been introduced in Kirkby town centre as a response to an increase in anti-social behaviour in the area.
The order runs from 4pm tonight (Thursday 27 March) until 11.59pm tomorrow night, Friday 28 March. Increased patrols will be in and around the town centre to provide a visible presence and deal with any incidents that arise.
The dispersal zone covers the area shown on the map, as follows: County Road, Webster Drive, Cherryfield Drive, Hall Lane and the areas contained within this boundary.
The order comes under Section 34 of the Anti-Social Behaviour & Policing Act 2014, which gives police officers and police community support traffic officers powers to direct people who are engaging in antisocial behaviour or are likely to become involved in such incidents. These powers will not be used for anyone visiting the area and going about their daily business.
Under the legislation, officers have the power to seize any item used in the commission of anti-social behaviour.
Should a person who has previously been directed to leave the area return, an offence would be committed, which they may ultimately be arrested.
Kirkby Neighbourhood Local Policing Inspector Andy Robinson said: “The use of such an order is never a decision taken lightly, but it is necessary in view of recent incidents, which have included abuse and intimidation of businesses, damage, and dangerous riding of bikes.
“The order means that we can enhance our powers to protect residents, businesses and visitors to the town centre, none of whom should be exposed to a minority of youths who show a complete disregard to others.
“Those officers in the area can now approach people they suspect may be there to commit anti-social behaviour or other crimes. 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.
“I would also urge parents and guardians to know where the young people in your care are, and think about what they may be doing.
“If anyone returns to the town centre after being directed not to by police, they could well find themselves being arrested. Anyone who has been issued a Direction to Leave notice not to come back into the area during the time that has been specified to them by officers. By returning, you would be committing an offence and could end up in custody.”
Always call 999 if a crime is in progress. You can pass any information on anti-social behaviour via our social media desk @MerPolCC on Twitter or ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ on Facebook.
You can also contact the independent charity Crime stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their online form at: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/give-information.
You can also follow ‘Knowsley Police’ on Facebook and ‘MerPolKnowsley’ on X for updates and advice.