Month long dispersal order in place to tackle drug use and antisocial behaviour in Woking

It means police have the power to move people on from a certain area.

Author: Grace McGachyPublished 11th Nov 2020

Drug use and anti social behavour means a month long dispersal order is now in place in Woking.

Until the 1am on the 10th of December police now have the power to ask people to leave the area around the West End Bowls Club/green and surrounding roads.

In a post on Facebook Surrey Heath Police said:

"The order, issued under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, gives officers the power to direct a person to leave the designated area and not return for up to 48 hours, if it is believed that their behaviour is or is likely to cause someone to be harassed, alarmed or distressed.

"Officers may also direct that person to surrender any items in their possession that may cause/contribute to such behaviour.

"We want everyone using the area to feel safe and would encourage anyone with any concerns to speak to any of our officers on patrol."

Failing to comply with a dispersal order is a criminal offence could lead to an arrest.