People who refuse to leave West Kirby on police orders tonight risk being arrested after violence including a stabbing led to a dispersal zone being imposed.
Merseyside Police confirmed the measure in response to an increase in reports of criminal and anti-social behaviour in the area. The order runs from today and will last for 48 hours until 12.26pm on Monday, June 19.
Patrols will be stepped up in the area and officers from our mounted section will be on hand to provide a visible presence and deal with any incidents. The dispersal zone covers Croft Drive, Croft Drive East, Caldy Road, Village Road, Hilbre View, Grange Road, Orrysdale Road, Bridge Road, Meols Drive, Pinfold Lane, West Kirby Beach, Caldy Beach, Cubbins Green Beach.
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There have been increased reports of violence and anti-social behaviour in the area caused as large groups of youths gather. Just after 7pm on Friday, June 16, a teenage boy was stabbed on Cubbins Green, Melloncroft Drive West after he was assaulted by a group of boys.
Targeted Policing Inspector Richard McKenzie said: "I have proactively put this dispersal in place in response to reports involving anti-social behaviour and criminality in the area. Due to the large groups of students gathering in these areas and the recent incidents occurring which have included serious violent offences patrols have been increased to deal with any issues.
"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 will be in the area to provide reassurance to those people who simply want to visit the beach and our neighbourhood without having to be confronted with this behaviour."
He added: "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 Dispersal Zone 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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