Dispersal orders are in place in Basingstoke during the May half term as officers continue to tackle youth-related anti-social behaviour in the town centre.

Officers have implemented dispersal orders under Section 34 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 to cover the area pictured in the map from 8am on Monday 26 May until 2am on Monday 2 June.

They give officers the power to order a person to leave the area with no return within a 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.

Basingstoke’s Neighbourhood Policing Team, alongside our response and criminal investigation colleagues, have been working hard to address ASB and criminality in the town centre, and dispersal orders are just one of the tactics available to tackle these issues.

Officers will be patrolling throughout the week and anyone with any questions, information or concerns is asked to approach patrolling officers or call us on 101.

Basingstoke Town Inspector, Charlie Ilderton, said: “We are continuing to take all reports of youth-related anti-social behaviour extremely seriously which is why we have implemented more dispersal orders throughout the May half term.

“As we move into the summer, 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.

“We know that anti-social behaviour and any associated criminality can make life miserable for local residents and businesses, but please be reassured that we are determined to put a stop to it and target the individuals involved.

“If you have witnessed or been affected by anti-social behaviour in the area, please continue to report it to police, so we can target our patrols and take further proactive action.”

Anyone with information about anti-social behaviour is asked to contact police on 101, or submit information to us online via our reporting tool here: https://www.hampshire.police.uk/ro/report/asb/asb-v3/report-antisocial-behaviour/

If a crime is in progress, please dial 999.