A dispersal zone at Liverpool waterfront has been extended after police made "several arrests".
Merseyside Police announced on Tuesday, April 4, they put a dispersal zone in place at Liverpool waterfront after reports of gangs of kids causing trouble in the area over recent weeks. One police inspector described how gangs had caused "distress and intimidation" to people going about their day.
Some incidents included assault, causing anti-social behaviour, criminal damage and robbery offences. Now, the order has been extended until 2am on Thursday to try and prevent anti-social behaviour and crime.
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Community Policing Inspector Jack Woodward said: “This is an ongoing police operation, and this Dispersal Zone continues from yesterday to prevent anti-social behaviour and crime taking place. We have made several arrests in the last week, but this is a proactive stance during the Easter period to provide reassurance to the public and businesses that such behaviour will not be tolerated and we will take action.
“This Dispersal Order gives officers in the area extra powers to approach people they suspect may be there to commit anti-social behaviour or other crimes. I appeal to parents and guardians, and urge them to know where their child is, what they are up to and friends they are with.
"It is not only to stop them causing unnecessary distress to members of the public and businesses, but also for their own safety and welfare.”
Officers will be in the area to provide a visible presence and deal with any incidents. The Dispersal Zone covers the areas within, including and bounded by the River Mersey, St Nicholas Place, Chapel Street, Tithebarn Street, Great Crosshall Street, Byrom Street, William Brown Street, Lime Street, Renshaw Street, Berry Street, Great Georges Street, St James Place, Stanhope Street and Mariners Wharf.
The 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.
Under the legislation, officers have the power to seize any item, including vehicles, used in the commission of anti-social behaviour.
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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