A Tameside town has been hit with a dispersal order after 'gangs of youths' caused a menace for two days running. Greater Manchester Police received reports of youths - including some carrying weapons - trashing a building and causing havoc at a supermarket.
The incidents took place in Dukinfield, in and around the Lodge Lane area, on Thursday and Friday. Officers were called out to disrupt the behaviour 'several times', GMP says.
The force issued a 48-hour dispersal order for parts of Dukinfield last night (July 7), which will run through to Sunday evening. Sergeant Lisa Halsall, of GMP's Tameside East Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: "GMP received numerous calls relating to incidents of anti-social behaviour in and around Lodge Lane on Thursday evening and yesterday.
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"Members of the public reported youths entering an unoccupied building and causing damage, causing a disturbance at a local supermarket and some in possession of weapons. Police responded immediately and attended the area.
"Two teenage males were arrested on Thursday evening and enquiries, including reviewing CCTV, are ongoing to identify those involved and there will be an increased police presence in the area with high-visibility patrols this weekend. GMP has taken positive action and there will be a dispersal order in place for the area outlined on the below map until 6:59pm on Sunday, July 9.
"This kind of behaviour simply won't be tolerated and we will act decisively to put a stop to it." Dispersal orders provide the police with the extra powers to break up groups of two or more people, where they believe their behaviour is causing a nuisance, harassment or distress.
A dispersal zone gives officers power to direct a person who is committing, or likely to commit, anti-social behaviour to leave the area for 48 hours. Anyone with information about a crime or with concerns is asked to contact police by using the LiveChat function online or by calling 101.
Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Always call 999 in an emergency.
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