Merseyside Police has activated its first 72-hour dispersal zone in Garston, giving officers extra powers to combat anti-social behaviour (ASB) in the run-up to Halloween. The order, which began at 12pm on Wednesday, October 28, will remain in force until the same time on Saturday, October 31.
The area known locally as Garston-under-the-Bridge, between the railway bridge on Church Road and the River Mersey, has seen gangs of youths setting off fireworks, starting fires and intimidating residents. Locals previously told the ECHO that groups of children, some as young as six, were setting fires, breaking into homes and carrying knives, leaving residents terrified to leave their houses.
What the dispersal zone covers
The zone includes the area bounded by and including Garston Way, Whitehedge Road, Long Lane, Horrocks Avenue, Speke Road, Banks Road, Blackburne Street and King Street. Under the order, officers can direct anyone suspected of causing or likely to cause crime, nuisance or ASB to leave the area and not return for up to 48 hours.
Police also have the power to seize any item, including vehicles, used in the commission of ASB. Anyone who returns after being directed to leave could be arrested for committing an offence. Extra officers will be deployed to Garston during the three-day period.
New powers extended to 72 hours
Earlier this week, the government announced tougher measures to tackle ASB nationwide, including allowing police forces to extend the maximum duration of a dispersal order from 48 to 72 hours. This is the first time such an extended order has been used in Merseyside.
Inspector Richard Smith said: “We are making use of new powers to stretch out a dispersal order to cover a 72-hour period in Garston. This allows us to provide even more reassurance to local residents and step up activity for a longer period of time.”
He added: “We continue to see anti-social behaviour in this area of Garston and more officers will now be on patrol over the next three days. I know these reports can be concerning for residents who live in the area but I want people to be assured that we are doing everything in our power to keep everyone safe.”
Smith appealed to parents and guardians to “inform their children of the dangers of using fireworks and to know where their child is this weekend,” adding: “No parent wants a knock on their door from a police officer informing them that their child has been arrested or been involved in a serious accident.”
Anyone with information can contact Merseyside Police via the social media desk @MerPolCC on X and Facebook, report online at merseyside.police.uk, or call 101. The independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.
