Durham Constabulary has placed a dispersal order on Darlington town centre and surrounding areas for the Halloween weekend as part of a crackdown on antisocial behaviour. The order gives officers the power to direct people suspected of causing trouble to leave the area and ban them from returning.
Anyone who fails to leave the area or returns while the order is in force can be arrested. The order began at 3.30pm on Friday and will remain in place until 3.30pm on Monday.
Extra patrols and police powers
Extra officers will be on patrol throughout the weekend to monitor the situation and deal with anyone causing trouble. The dispersal order covers the area pictured within the red line, as shown by Darlington Police.
Neighbourhood Inspector David Littlefair said: "Darlington town centre is a place for people to enjoy safely. We will not tolerate antisocial behaviour, disorder, criminal damage, or groups gathering with the intention of causing trouble. We are taking people's concerns seriously and will have an increased police presence across the town centre."
Parents urged to take responsibility
Inspector Littlefair has urged parents and guardians to take responsibility for their children this weekend, advising them to know where their children are, who they are with, and what they are doing. He said: "Too often we deal with incidents involving young people whose parents have no idea where they are or what they have become involved in.
"Our message is simple: enjoy Halloween responsibly, respect your community, and do not spoil it for everyone else.
"The vast majority of young people enjoy Halloween responsibly. It is a small minority whose behaviour causes concern and has a disproportionate impact on residents, businesses, and visitors. Those who choose to engage in antisocial or criminal behaviour can expect robust action from Darlington Police."
