Kids on bikes are causing chaos in one area of Merseyside with police taking further action.
Merseyside Police have received a number of reports of anti-social behaviour, violence and damage to property in Birkenhead, Wirral. In response, officers have now put a dispersal zone in place in the area surrounding Birkenhead Park and the town centre.
The dispersal zone covers Conway Street, Park Road East, Park Drive, Ashville Road, Park Road West, St Andrews Road, Grange Road West and A552. The order runs from Monday, March 6 at 2.30pm and will last for 48 hours until 2.30pm on Wednesday, March 8.
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Community Policing Inspector Daniel Greenhalgh said: “I have proactively put this dispersal in in response to reports involving anti-social behaviour and criminality in the area. This includes youths riding bikes, behaving in an anti-social manner, damaging property and committing violent offences.
"This is having a significant impact on businesses, residents and people visiting Birkenhead or shopping in the town due to their intimidating unacceptable behaviours. Patrols have been increased in the area to deal with any issues, and this order is an additional measure to prevent any criminality from taking place.
"This dispersal zone is to give 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 also 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.
“We are working with community partners to address this issue, including Wirral Council, schools, youth provisions. We are also working with housing providers and those parents of youths involved can expect contact from police as well as partners.
“We will be in the area to provide reassurance to those people who simply want to shop or visit our neighbourhood without having to be confronted with this behaviour. 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.”
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 direct 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 in the commission of anti-social behaviour. Should a person who has previously been directed to leave the area return, an offence would be committed, which they may ultimately be arrested for.
Always call 999 if a crime is in progress. You can pass any information on anti-social behaviour via our 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. You can also follow @MerPolWirral on Twitter and Facebook for updates and advice.
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