Over Hulton dispersal order explained by police officers

On Monday night police issued a dispersal order in the Over Hulton area, which was in place until 10pm.

It was the latest dispersal order to be implemented in the borough since schools finished for the summer.

Last Friday, an order was put in place in an area of Farnworth.

Local neighbourhood police in Over Hulton said the move was done in order to combat a rise in antisocial behaviour.

When a dispersal order is in place an officer can tell someone to leave an area and not return for a specified time.

 Sgt Oliver Cooper said: “This is due to an increase in reports over the past week of antisocial behaviour including off-road bikes, children throwing items, verbally abusing people and causing damage.

“Please can we remind all parents in the area to check that they know what their children are up to on sunny days like these and I encourage anyone in the area to please report if they see any sort of antisocial behaviour in the area.

“Police Constable Dave Kelly and Police Constable Chris Chadwick are working hard to tackle antisocial behaviour in the area and have rearranged their shifts to help cover the peak times.

“Many thanks as always for your support.”

Police move people along during this time where they have reasonable grounds to believe they are engaging in behaviour “causing, or likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress to members of the public.”

A similar order was put in place in Farnworth last week.

The move also came in response to reports of antisocial behaviour.

The area around Queensbridge Primary School was where the order came into place.

On that occasion, police deployed neighbourhood officers to engage with people in the area and said the move was to protect local residents.

Source – INDIA TV