“Reports include youths committing thefts, public order offences, anti-social behaviour and other incidents of crime in the town centre and at the local sports centre.”
A police dispersal order has been put in place in Kirkby over the Easter weekend(Image: Merseyside Police)
A dispersal order has been introduced in Kirkby this Easter bank holiday weekend following reports of anti-social behaviour in the area. The order began at 3pm on Saturday 4 April and will end on midnight on Monday 6 April where it will be further reviewed.
Police will be in the area to provide a visible presence and deal with any incidents. The dispersal zone covers the areas within, including and bounded by the Hall Lane, Cherryfield Drive, County Road, Webster Drive, Bewley Drive and Valley Road.
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 they suspect are causing or likely to cause crime, nuisance or anti-social behaviour to members of the public to leave a designated area and not return for up to 48 hours.
Under the legislation, officers have the power to seize any item, including vehicles, 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.
Community Policing Inspector Andrew Robinson said: “Sadly there has been an increase in reports of youths causing disturbance during the school holidays which is having a disruptive impact on businesses and shoppers in the town centre.
“Reports include youths committing thefts, public order offences, anti-social behaviour and other incidents of crime in the town centre and at the local sports centre.
“We have made significant arrests and stop checks this week, and this proactive work continues with measures such as this dispersal zone to ensure people visiting the area are not subjected to such mindless behaviour.
“I would urge parents and guardians to know where your child is and what they are up to. Do you want them to be causing such misery to people who are serving your community?
“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.”
Anyone with information on antisocial behaviour in their area is asked to contact Merseyside Police social media desk via X @MerPolCC or on Facebook ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ or call 101.
You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their website here: Giving information | Crimestoppers . In an emergency always call 999.