Petrol poured on play equipment and shop staff harassed - anti-social behaviour sparks police dispersal order in Totton town centre
A SPATE of anti-social behaviour, including petrol poured on play equipment and shop staff harassed, sparked a dispersal order in Totton town centre.
Police launched the 48-hour order from 1.25pm yesterday (Sunday) to last until the same time tomorrow (Tuesday), empowering officers to order anyone causing a disturbance to leave and not return in that period.
As well as the town centre/precinct, it covers Water Lane, Commercial Road, parts of Salisbury Road and Ringwood Road.
This comes after a number of incidents in recent weeks, one of which reportedly saw a group of youths pour petrol on play equipment in the park on Cheam Way on Friday 8th November.
On the same day, a group of youngsters who had been harassing staff at Poundland were said to have entered the Commercial Road store’s rear packing area through the rear fire exit door.
Poundland was also targeted on Sunday 3rd November, when three youths reportedly stole drinks, drinking some in front of staff and putting others in their pockets.
Another public order incident at the store was reported two days later, when a group of youths was said to have also stolen cans of drink.
Enforced under the Antisocial Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act (2014), the dispersal order aims to help officers effectively tackle reported issues and keep local communities safe.
They also have the power to seize any item used to carry out anti-social behaviour.
People who refuse to comply with the order would be committing a criminal offence and are liable for arrest.
Youngsters aged under 16 will be taken to their home address, and officers will carry out follow-up work with the parents.
Acting Insp. Rob Blake said: "At this time of year we expect to see an increase in people visiting our town centre and we want them to be able to feel safe and enjoy themselves while they’re here.
“Unfortunately, we are seeing a small minority of people becoming involved in anti-social behaviour which is having a negative impact on the lives of residents, customers and staff at local businesses.
“The tactics we are using are a robust measure to keep our communities safe and ensure people’s lives aren’t disrupted.”
Acting Insp. Blake urged people who witness or are affected by anti-social behaviour to continue reporting incidents to enable patrols and proactive action.
Anyone with information should contact the force online via hampshire.police.uk or call 101.
Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously via crimestoppers-uk.org or on 0800 555 111.
