Police are introducing stricter powers in a Merseyside town this weekend after an 18-year-old was reportedly stabbed with a machete.
From 5pm on Friday, September 30, a dispersal zone will be in place in Birkenhead for 48 hours after police received reports of anti-social behaviour and criminality having a "significant impact" on local businesses and shoppers visiting the town. Until 5pm Sunday evening, police will be providing a more visible presence in the area and will have increased policing powers within its boundaries.
Under the dispersal zone order, Merseyside Police officers will be given the power to approach "people they suspect may be there to commit anti-social behaviour or other crimes." Police also urged "parents and guardians" to ensure they know the location of their children or other young people in their care, to "further assist" police in dealing with trouble makers.
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Police are afforded these powers under Section 34 of the Anti-Social Behaviour & Policing Act 2014, which gives police officers and police community support officers power to direct individuals who are engaging in anti-social behaviour, or who they believe may be likely to do so. If a person has been directed to leave the area and returns, they will now be committing an offence, which they could be arrested for.
Merseyside Police stressed that these powers will not be used for anyone visiting the area and going about their daily business.
The dispersal zone also covers Borough Road, Argyle Street, Conway Street, Price Street, Watson Street, Conway Street, Park Road East, Park Road South, Alvanley Place, Grange Road West and Whetstone Lane.
It is the second dispersal order introduced in the area this month, after one was introduced last weekend following an incident on Wednesday, September 21, when an 18-year-old was stabbed in the leg on Europa Boulevard with what witnesses called a "machete."
Sergeant Tim Cottrell, of Merseyside Police, said: "We have proactively put this dispersal in in response to reports involving anti-social behaviour and criminality in the area, which is having a significant impact on businesses and people visiting Birkenhead or shopping in the town.
"As a result we have increased patrols in the area to deal with any issues. 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.
"We have introduced this dispersal zone to give officers in the area extra powers to approach people they suspect may be there to commit anti-social behaviour or other crimes. Our officers are also working with The Hive a youth club in the area to offer young people new activities and opportunities they can get involved in.
"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."
People can pass on any information on anti-social behaviour via Merseyside Police's social media desk @MerPolCC on Twitter, or at "Merseyside Police Contact Centre" on Facebook. Information can also be passed on to the independent charity Crime stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their online form at crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information.
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