Dispersal Order to tackle anti-social behaviour

Date published: 02 July 2007

A  Dispersal  Order  is  being introduced in Syke, Healey and Shawclough to help reduce anti-social behaviour and improve the quality of life for local people.

Police,  together  with  the  council’s  Safer Communities Partnership, are implementing this measure following an increase in the number of reports of youth nuisance and criminal damage in these areas.

The  Dispersal  Order,  which  forms  part of the Anti Social Behaviour Act 2003, will be in place from 9 July 2007 and will run for three months.

It  provides police with the power to disperse groups of two or more people of   any  age  who  are  hanging  around  on  the  streets,  harassing  and intimidating local residents.

After  9pm,  officers are also authorised to escort home young people under 16 found to be taking part in anti-social behaviour, and who are not in the company of a responsible person over 18.

Inspector  James  Troisi, Neighbourhood Inspector for Rochdale North, said: "When  Dispersal  Orders  have been used on previous occasions in Rochdale, they have proved to be very effective in reducing anti-social behaviour.

"After  consulting  with  our partners and local residents, we believe this order  is  an essential part of our thorough approach to tackling crime and disorder in the town.

"It  will only be used against youths and groups of people who are involved in, or are likely to be involved in, anti-social behaviour, and is just one of a number of steps being taken to tackle this problem."

John  Johnson,  Safer  Communities  Manager  for Rochdale, added: "Tackling anti-social  behaviour  is  a  top  priority  for  people  in this area and experience  tells  us  that  dispersal  orders  can  be  effective  in this situation.    The  order  is  fully  supported  by  the  Safer  Communities Partnership,  which will be aiming to back up enforcement of the order with other  activities  including  detached youth work, liaison with schools and reminding licensees of their responsibilities around the sale of alcohol.

"I  would  ask  local  parents  to make sure they know, as far as possible, where their children are going and what they are doing when they’re out and about  in  the area.  I also recognise areas such as Cronkeyshaw Common are there for everyone to enjoy, and would ask that young people avoid behaving in  a  way that would give cause for complaint.  It’s important that we all work together to deal with this problem."