Dorset Police and East Dorset District Council have agreed the use of dispersal powers under Section 30 of the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003. These powers will be used as an additional measure to those already being used to tackle anti-social behaviour in Verwood and the Potterne area.
Dorset Police are currently providing an enhanced level of policing, focused on preventing anti-social behaviour as well as crime and disorder.
Now, officers will be able to use these dispersal powers to direct anyone behaving inappropriately away from the area.
In addition to the dispersal powers, Section 30 of the Act allows Police to take home anyone who is in a public place within the relevant locality between 9pm and 6am if there are reasonable grounds to believe the person is under the age of 16, is participating in anti-social behaviour or affected by others behaving anti-socially, and they are not under the control of a parent or other responsible person aged 18 or over.
Sergeant Nicola Loftus said “These powers will give officers additional measures to deal effectively, robustly and promptly with anti-social behaviour in the area designated. We have agreed with partner agencies to apply Section 30 in response to the increase in antisocial behaviour and criminal damage experienced in the area over the last few months. Collectively all partners are committed to tackling this hotspot. ”
Dorset Police has been working hard with partner agencies to ensure crime and anti- social behaviour are effectively tackled in Verwood and Potterne. Action under the anti-social behaviour legislation is also being considered in respect of the worst offenders.
Our message is clear. “We will not tolerate anti-social behaviour. The Verwood and Potterne community deserve better.”
