Crackdown on anti-social behaviour continues in Chester

Officers working to tackle anti-social behaviour in Chester city centre have issued a dispersal order.

The dispersal order will allow officers to ban anyone from the town for up to 48 hours to prevent disorder.

It has been imposed under Section 34 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 highlighted in the mapped area. The map is provided to anyone issued with a direction to leave.

The powers are in place today (Thursday 20 April) until 11.15am on Saturday 22 April.

Officers will also be deployed at key hotspots over the coming days as part of continued efforts to disrupt any criminal activity.

Inspector James Wilson said: “I want to be clear that issuing dispersal orders is not officers ‘taking this behaviour lightly’, in fact, these orders allow us to take robust action against those bringing misery to our city.

“These orders are another tactical option that allow us to deal with anti-social behaviour head on. We’re already been able to make several arrests over recent months thanks to having these orders in place.

“A number of officers will be out in key areas, patrolling around the city and I would urge anyone with any concerns to speak to an officer.

“Parents also have a role to play in our continued efforts to tackle ASB. If you don’t know where your child is, make it your business to know and be sure to educate them about the consequences of committing anti-social behaviour and the prospect of having a criminal record.

“I would urge residents and businesses to continue to report any issues with anti-social behaviour so that we can address these issues.”

Anyone with information about anti-social behaviour in their area is urged to contact Cheshire Police via the Cheshire Police website or call 101.