1 day Ago
The disposal order was put in place in Basingstoke from 6pm on Friday, April 11 and came to an end at 5am today (Sunday, April 13). Hampshire Constabulary put the order in place following reports of youth anti-social behaviour in the town centre during the first week of the school Easter holidays. The incidents reported included: -Staff inside Londis in Alencon Link being assaulted by a group of four females at around 10pm on April 10 -A group of children setting fire to mats inside the play area in War Memorial Park at 8.
30pm on April 10 -A group of children gaining access to the roof of a building in the town centre and spitting at people at 7.30pm on April 10 -A group of children behaving in an anti-social way and being verbally abusive in the town centre at 9.30pm on April 9.
The dispersal order enables police to deal with any issues of anti-social behaviour in a directed area more effectively and gives officers the power to order a person to leave the area with no return within the specified time period. Those who refuse to comply with the order are committing a criminal offence and are liable for arrest. Children between the ages of 10 and 16 who are issued with dispersal notices will be taken home to their parents/guardian, and officers will carry out follow-up work.
Since the incidents were reported, officers have been carrying out enquiries and working to address anti-social behaviour and criminality in the town centre. A spokesperson for Hampshire Constabulary said: “Dispersal orders such as these are just one of the tactics available to use to tackle these issues. “Officers will be patrolling throughout weekend, and anyone with any questions, information or concerns is asked to approach patrolling officers or call us on 101.
” Basingstoke Town Inspector, Charlie Ilderton, added: “We want our communities to know that we are taking this issue seriously, which is why we implemented this dispersal order for this weekend. “Anti-social behaviour and any associated criminality can make life miserable for local residents and businesses. “We know it is the Easter holidays, and we want our young people to enjoy the warmer weather and spend time outdoors, but any youth-related anti-social behaviour and violence will not be tolerated and offenders will be dealt with robustly.
“This will ensure that everyone can enjoy the town centre and outdoor spaces free from intimidation.” Anyone with information about anti-social behaviour is asked to contact police on 101, or submit information online at If a crime is in progress, call 999. Hampshire Constabulary has been asked for an update as the dispersal order comes to an end.
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