Dispersal order bids to tackle anti-social behaviour

Inspector James Troisi of the Rochdale North Neighbourhood Policing Team

Police are hoping to improve the quality of life for residents of Syke, Healey and Shawclough by introducing a Dispersal Oder to help reduce anti-social behaviour.

The area has seen an increase in youth nuisance and criminal damage in recent months.

Inspector James Troisi of the Rochdale North Neighbourhood Policing Team said: "When Dispersal Orders have been used on previous occasions in Rochdale they have proved to be very effective in reducing anti-social behaviour.

“After consulting with our partners and local residents, we believe this order is an essential part of our thorough approach to tackling crime and disorder in the town.

"It will only be used against youths and groups of people who are involved in, or are likely to be involved in, anti-social behaviour and is just one of a number of steps being taken to tackle this problem.”

The Dispersal Order will be in place for three months from Friday 5 December and will give police the power to disperse groups of two or more people of any age who are hanging around on the streets, harassing and intimidating local residents.

After 9pm, officers are also authorised to escort home young people under 16 found to be taking part in anti-social behaviour, and who are not in the company of a responsible person over 18.

Jeanette Staley, Acting Safer Communities Manager for Rochdale, added: "Tackling anti-social behaviour is a top priority for people in this area and experience tells us that dispersal orders can be effective in this situation. The order is fully supported by the Safer Communities Partnership, which will be aiming to back up enforcement of the order with other activities including detached youth work, liaison with schools and reminding licensees of their responsibilities around the sale of alcohol.

“I would ask local parents to make sure they know, as far as possible, where their children are going and what they are doing when they’re out and about in the area. It is important that we all work together to deal with this problem.”