Dispersal Order to tackle antisocial behaviour in Kirkholt

Inspector Michelle Hughes of the Rochdale South Neighbourhood Policing Team

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A Dispersal Order is being introduced on the Kirkholt estate to help reduce antisocial behaviour and improve the quality of life for local people.

Police, together with Rochdale Borough Council, are implementing this measure following an increase in reports of youth nuisance, criminal damage and alcohol-related problems in these areas.

The order will be in place until 31 January 2012, and enables police to disperse groups of two or more people of any age who are hanging around on the streets or harassing local residents.

Officers are also authorised to escort home young people under 16 who are behaving antisocially, and who are not in the company of a responsible person over 18.

Police can also force people to leave an area for up to 24 hours, and if they return within that time they will be arrested.

Inspector Michelle Hughes of the Rochdale South Neighbourhood Policing Team said: "When Dispersal Orders have been used on previous occasions in Rochdale they have proved to be very effective in reducing antisocial behaviour.

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

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

Jeanette Staley, Safer Communities Manager for Rochdale, added: "Tackling antisocial 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 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. It is important that we all work together to deal with this problem.”