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Merseyside Police have introduced a dispersal zone in Birkenhead town centre today, following increased reports of anti-social behaviour and youth crime.
The order just went into effect at 2 pm today, 29 July, and will remain in place till 2 pm on Friday, 31 July. Officers will be patrolling the area to show a visible presence and deal with any crime.
The dispersal zone covers Birkenhead town centre, including the Central Hotel, Grange Road, Argyle Street, Clifton Crescent, St Werburgh Square, The Woodlands and surrounding public spaces.
Recent incidents reported to police include bike robberies, youths in possession of weapons, intimidation of residents and assault.
The zone has been introduced under Section 34 of the Anti-Social Behaviour & Policing Act 2014. This gives officers the power to direct people to leave the area if they are engaging in anti-social behaviour, or if they're likely to become involved in crime, and to tell them not to come back for 2 days. Officers can also seize items used for anti-social behaviour.
Anyone who has been told to leave and comes back to the area is committing an offence and may be arrested.
Neighbourhood Policing Inspector Nicola Hughes said in a statement: "Sadly we have received increased reports of youth-related anti-social behaviour and criminality in the last few weeks.
She continued, "We have increased patrols in the area, which is in addition to our dedicated neighbourhood police officers, and they will deal with any issues and prevent offences from taking place.
"This dispersal zone, along with other measures, is to prevent youths gathering and causing unnecessary distress and intimidation to people who want to go about their business without fear or harm."
Anyone who wishes to report anti-social or criminal behaviour can contact @MerPolCC on X, Merseyside Police Contact Centre on Facebook, or call 101. Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111. Always call 999 in an emergency.
