Police dispersal order in place for Stockton
The order will begin at 7am today (Friday 3 May) and will be in place until 7am on Sunday 5 May and covers the High Street, in particular the fountain, Wellington Square and nearby parks.
This is following a recent increase in a group of people being abusive, loud and intimidating towards members of the community as well as stealing from shops.
It has been imposed under Section 35 of the Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014, making it an offence for anyone to return to a specific area for up to 48 hours.
The area covered by the order is inside the circle highlighted in the map below. The map will also be provided to anyone issued with a direction to leave the area.
While the order is in place local officers will be conducting patrols both on foot and in vehicles.
Anyone caught drinking in the street, aggressively begging or behaving in a disorderly manner will be spoken too, could face an additional fine or arrest.
Inspector Matthew Reeves said: “We want people to enjoy coming into Stockton and not feel intimidated or put off by the area due to small groups of people choosing to spoil the environment.
“This is why the dispersal order is being put in place, to prevent violence and aggressive anti-social behaviour that protects people visiting the town, local businesses and residents who live here.
“The order will allow our officers to have another tactical option to combat this behaviour and take robust action against individuals who are causing trouble.
“I would also encourage residents and businesses to keep reporting any issues so we can take action.”
Anyone with information in relation to anti-social behaviour is asked to contact Cleveland Police on 101.