A dispersal zone will come into place in Kirkby from today following reports of groups of yobs throwing objects at businesses and abusing staff.
Merseyside Police confirmed the dispersal zone would be in place in Kirkby from today in response to continued reports of anti-social behaviour in the area.
The order is set to run from 3pm on Friday, January 21 until 2.59pm on Sunday.
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Police said the order was being enforced to combat the rise in reports of criminal damage and acts of violence by groups of youths in the area.
A community inspector said the extreme behaviour of the youths was causing "alarm, harassment and distress within the community."
Recent incidents include the youths throwing objects at staff in local businesses and reports of hate crimes.
The dispersal zone will cover the area of County Road, Hall Lane onto Old Hall Lane, including St Chad's church and lodge.
It will also stretch to Cherryfield Drive and Webster Drive.
More police officers will be in the area to provide a visible presence and deal with any incidents.
The order comes under section 35 of the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2014 which gives police the power to direct people they suspect are causing or likely to cause crime away from the area.
Merseyside Police will have the power to seize any items used in the commission of anti-social behaviour.
People can also be arrested if they return to the area after previously being told to leave.
Community Inspector Dave Morgan said: “We have introduced this dispersal zone as an extra precaution in response to reports of criminal damage and acts of violence by groups of youths in the area that has caused alarm, harassment and distress within the community.
“Recent incidents also include youths throwing objects at staff members, intimidation to local businesses and residents, public order offences and reports of hate crimes.
“This behaviour will not be tolerated and extra officers will remain in the area to disperse any groups causing such incidents, and to provide reassurance to the vast majority of law-abiding people in the area. Action will be taken to stop reckless acts of anti-social behaviour to make sure that everyone can feel safe where they shop or work.
“Rest assured, you can pass any information about anti-social behaviour in your community to us and we will take action.”
“If you witness any anti-social behaviour over the next 48 hours or have any information about such incidents, please contact or speak to our officers.”
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