Dispersal order across Heywood after disturbance

A dispersal order is in place across Heywood following a disturbance in the town.

Police say a large group of armed youths were seen on the streets on Sunday (13 February) with “knives and other weapons.”

The dispersal order has been made under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 and gives police the power to prohibit people who have committed a crime – or are likely to – from returning to the area covered by the order.

The dispersal order is in place until 2am on Wednesday 16 February and has been implemented to “protect residents and keep the public safe.”

Individuals may be asked to hand over items causing, or likely to cause, anti-social behaviour, for example alcohol. The order should not prevent you from having access to your home, work or place or worship.

Posting on social media, the local neighbourhood policing team said: “Following a disturbance in Heywood yesterday where a large group of youths were seen to be walking the streets carrying knives and other weapons a decision was made to issue a dispersal notice under Section 35 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.

“The dispersal notice will prohibit you from returning to the defined area for a period no longer than 48 hours.

“The aim of the notice is to minimise behaviour contributing to, or likely to contribute to anti-social behaviour or crime or disorder in the area.

“When issued with the dispersal notice you will be informed of the boundaries of the area and issued with a map. If this is not the case, please contact Rochdale Police Station to obtain one.

“Being given a dispersal notice means you will have to leave the area. You are then prohibited from returning to the area for a period no longer than 48 hours.

“An individual is guilty of an offence if they fail to comply with the dispersal notice.

“If you knowingly fail to comply with a dispersal notice you may be arrested and may be liable, upon summary conviction, to a fine of £2,500 and/or three months’ imprisonment.

“There is no route of appeal for an individual against the giving of a dispersal notice.

“However you can challenge whether the dispersal notice was properly made in the course of your defence if you are prosecuted for breaching the dispersal notice.”