Merseyside Police will be targeting parts of Wirral following reports of crime and anti-social behaviour.
The increased police powers will be in place in New Ferry, Bebington and Port Sunlight from 2pm today until 2pm on Thursday, August 11, as part of a dispersal order in the area. It comes after Stagecoach were forced to change their routes i n New Ferry due to "youths throwing bricks at passing buses" on Monday evening.
Merseyside Police said recent reports in the area also relate to "groups of youths congregating, some of whom have been involved in criminal damage offences and have caused harassment, alarm, and distress to residents and businesses in the community."
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Incidents of arson and public order offences have also been reported in the area, police said.
The dispersal 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.
The order also gives officers the power to seize any item, including vehicles, used in the commission of anti-social behaviour. If a person who was previously asked to leave the area returns they could be arrested.
Wirral Community Policing Inspector Peter Rexwinkel said: “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.
“This order is not designed to prevent decent, law-abiding people from visiting the parks and green spaces in the area. It is to deter those whose behaviour affects the enjoyment that all of us should find in such places.
“We have an increased police presence around these areas and will take action when issues are reported. I would also urge parents and guardians to know where young people in your care are, to further assist us in dealing with those who cause trouble.”
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.
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