Merseyside Police has introduced a Section 34 Dispersal Zone in Kirkby this afternoon following an increase in anti-social behaviour.
The order will be in place from 3pm this afternoon (Friday 6 February) and runs until 2am (Sunday 8 February). It will cover the area shown on the map. The boundaries for this dispersal zone will be Moorgate Road to Lees Road, including Academy Business Park, County Road to Simmonswood Lane to Roughwood Drive to Old Rough Lane to County Road to Boyes Brow to Glovers Brow to Whitefield Drive to Valley Road to M57 to East Lancs Road to Moorgate Road.
The order, under Section 34 of the Anti-Social Behaviour & Policing Act 2014, gives officers and police community support traffic officers 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.
Neighbourhood Policing Inspector Andrew Robinson said: “The recent rise in incidents of antisocial behaviour and associated crime have had a significant impact upon local residents, businesses and emergency services.
“Incidents include stones thrown at houses in the area, damage caused to vehicles, trees and a medical centre, youths throwing eggs at people, drugs use and large quad bikes being driven in the area.
“I hope this dispersal zone reassures our residents and those who work in Kirkby that we are committed in preventing anti-social behaviour, crime and disorder in their community.
“It will also provide us with extra powers to remove people causing trouble, or likely to cause trouble. These actions are about supporting those in the area who have been affected by such anti-social behaviour, not bothering those going about their business. We hope those people will welcome seeing more officers in the area tackling this behaviour, and speak to us with any concerns.
“If you are a parent or guardian in the area of a young person we ask that you speak with them about their movements and what they might know about any recent incidents of anti-social behaviour in Kirkby.”
Anyone with information on ASB in their area is asked to contact Merseyside Police social media desk via X and Facebook @MerPolCC.
You can also report information via the Merseyside Police 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.