Borough of Poole and Dorset Police have been granted a dispersal order to tackle anti-social behaviour in the Canford Heath and Tower Park area.
The introduction of the order, which comes into effect today, Friday 1 May 2009, will give police officers and police community support officers the power to move on groups of two or more people causing anti-social behaviour. The order was jointly agreed by Borough of Poole and Dorset Police under Section 30 of the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003.
The new Section 30 notice runs until 3 August 2009. It will allow police officers to tackle anti-social behaviour throughout the spring and summer months and covers a wider area where large groups are now congregating and causing a nuisance to local residents. The local Safer Neighbourhoods Team will police the area.
A previous order was issued in January 2009 in response to reports of criminal damage, abusive and intimidating behaviour directed at members of the public. The order, which came to an end on 20 April 2009, helped to ensure that any potential anti-social behaviour problems were defused quickly and effectively.
Inspector Adrian King, Poole North Section Commander, Dorset Police, said: “The use of dispersal orders on Canford Heath has been part of our actions to improve the situation for residents and young people alike. The police work very closely with Borough of Poole youth services and initiatives such as a new youth shelter and Football Focus events are evidence of this. This order will help us to provide a safe environment in which those facilities can be enjoyed.”
Ian Cooke, Anti-Social Behaviour Co-ordinator, Borough of Poole, said: “The vast majority of young people are very well behaved and we encourage them to actively use Poole’s open spaces for leisure and recreation. However, we cannot tolerate fighting and anti-social behaviour and will use these powers to protect our public spaces.”
Anyone who refuses to comply with instructions to disperse, from a police officer or PCSO, or who returns to the area within 24 hours, can be arrested and, if convicted, may face a fine or a prison sentence.
Ian Turner
