Merseyside Police introduce dispersal zone in West Derby for Halloween

A further precautionary Dispersal Zone has been put in place in Woolton so everyone stays safe during the Halloween and Bonfire period.

The Dispersal Order is in place at the following locations (see map) until 6.27pm on Friday 1 November: The Dispersal Zone will cover all areas within the boundaries of: Muirhead Avenue East, Oak Lane, Croxteth Hall Lane, Deysbrook Lane, Town Row.

The Dispersal Zone is under Section 34/35 of the Anti-Social Behaviour & Policing Act 2014, which gives police officers the powers to direct people engaging in anti-social behaviour or are likely to become involved in such incidents and not return for up to 48 hours. Officers also have the power to seize items used for anti-social behaviour.

Should a person who has previously been directed to leave but returns to the area, then an offence would be committed, and they may be arrested. 

Commander for the policing operation, Superintendent Dawn McNally:

“We have an extensive policing plan in place during this period leading up to Bonfire Night that recognises the importance of maintaining a high visibility presence, especially in areas where antisocial behaviour has caused distress in the past.

“We take the increase in incidents that we saw last night incredibly seriously, and we will be continuing a high visibility presence across the region in order to keep communities safe and respond to any incidents. 

“Officers are being encouraged to use their stop and search powers to full effect in order to actively prevent further acts of criminal damage and antisocial behaviour. 

“I would like to remind parents and guardians how important it is to know where your child is and what they are up to. No parent wants a knock on their door from a police officer informing them that their child has been arrested or, worse still, has been involved in a serious accident.

“The continuing decrease in incidents is positive. However, we will continue to be vigilant, and would like to take this opportunity to remind people to be safe and sensible when they are out celebrating.

“We understand the distress that incidents of anti-social behaviour and criminal damage cause so if you experience anything in the coming days please report it to us.”

Anyone who wishes to report anti-social or criminal behaviour can contact @MerPolCC, 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Always call 999 in an emergency. 

Always call 999 if a crime is in progress. You can pass any information on anti-social behaviour via our social media desk @MerPolCC on Twitter or ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ on Facebook.

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