Police are bringing in stricter measures in one part of Merseyside following an increase in reports of crime and anti-social behaviour.
A dispersal zone will be introduced in Liscard this weekend, with officers set to patrol the area to provide a visible presence and deal with any incidents. The order runs from 3pm tomorrow and will last for 48 hours until 3pm on Sunday, October 23.
The dispersal zone covers Liscard Road, Martins Lane, Grosvenor Street, Manor Road, Rake Lane, Egerton Grove, Daventree Road, Edinburgh Road, Seaview Road, Merton Road, Coningsby Drive, Britannia Road, Belvidere Road, Torrington Road, Rullerton Road, Mill Lane, Woodstock Road, Oxton Road, Poulton Road, Broughton Road, Deveraux Drive, Deveraux Road, Poulton Road, Hampstead Road and Parkside.
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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 move 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 to cause anti-social behaviour. Anyone who returns to the area after being asked to leave could be arrested. Wirral Community Policing Inspector Alan McKeon said: “We have proactively put this dispersal zone in place in response to reports involving anti-social behaviour and criminal damage in the area, which is having a significant impact on businesses and people visiting Liscard town centre and Central Park.
“We have also received a report that the three public defibrillators have been stolen. This is nonsensical because they were installed in the town centre to save the lives of those in a medical emergency, including the people who have stolen them.
“We have increased patrols in the area to deal with any issues, and this dispersal zone gives officers in the area extra powers to approach people they suspect may be there to commit anti-social behaviour or other crimes. This order is to ensure residents and businesses are not subjected to any such behaviour, and I would ask people to continue reporting any concerns and we will take action.
“I would urge parents and guardians to know where young people in your care are, to further assist us in dealing with those who cause trouble. 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.”
Always call 999 if a crime is in progress. You can pass any information on anti-social behaviour via Merseyside Police's 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 here.
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