Order to tackle antisocial behaviour in Milnrow

Inspector Jem Davies of the Pennine Neighbourhood Policing Team

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A Dispersal Order is being introduced in Milnrow to help reduce antisocial behaviour in the area.

Police, together with RochdaleCouncil, are implementing the measure after an increase in reports of youth nuisance, criminal damage and alcohol-related problems.

The order will be in place until 10 May 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 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 Jem Davies of the Pennine Neighbourhood Policing Team said: "Dispersal Orders are an effective way of reducing antisocial behaviour, and after consulting with our partners and local residents, we believe this is a necessary measure.

"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 the issue.”