Borough of Poole and Dorset Police have been granted a dispersal order to tackle anti-social behaviour in a small area of Rossmore in Poole.
The introduction of the order, which comes into effect on Thursday 16 July 2009, will give police officers and police community support officers (PCSO) the power to move on groups of two or more people causing anti-social behaviour in and around an area that includes Tesco Express and the nearby church. The order was jointly agreed by Borough of Poole and Dorset Police under Section 30 of the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003.
The Section 30 notice runs until 16 January 2010. It will allow police officers to tackle anti-social behaviour through the next six months and covers an area where groups of young people are now congregating and causing a nuisance to local residents.
The longer period of this notice will also allow Borough of Poole’s Children’s Services and other agencies sufficient time to work with the young people and their families on turning around their behaviour.
Inspector Adrian King, Poole North Section Commander, Dorset Police, said: “The behaviour of some young people in the area around Tesco Express and the adjacent church on Herbert Avenue has recently become a concern and I feel a dispersal order can only have a beneficial effect.
“Everyone is still welcome to use the shops and people will only be asked to leave if their conduct or numbers cause concern. The existence of the order has been widely circulated and my officers will be working hard to ensure the area is safer and feels that way.”
Ian Cooke, Anti-Social Behaviour Co-ordinator, Borough of Poole, said: “This dispersal notice is intended to target a small group of young people and young adults who persist in causing a nuisance to residents going about their business in their own community, while allowing agencies some space to work directly with the youngsters and their families.”
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.
