Merseyside Police are rolling out 16 dispersal zones across Liverpool, Sefton and St Helens for the Halloween weekend, giving officers powers to order people involved in antisocial behaviour to leave designated areas or face arrest.
The zones, introduced under Section 34/35 of the Anti-Social Behaviour & Policing Act 2014, allow police to direct individuals engaging in antisocial behaviour, or believed likely to become involved in such incidents, to leave the area. Anyone who returns within 48 hours of being ordered to leave risks arrest. Officers can also seize items they believe could be used for antisocial behaviour.
Timing and powers of the dispersal zones
The dispersal orders take effect from 3pm on Friday, October 30, until 1am on Sunday, November 1. The measure is part of a wider policing plan for the period, which includes a high visibility presence in areas where antisocial behaviour has previously caused distress.
Chief Inspector Kevin Chatterton, tactical operations lead for the Halloween period, said: “We want people to enjoy the Halloween weekend, but we want them to do so without fear of their fun being spoiled by a minority intent on engaging in anti-social behaviour.”
Police urge parents to know children's whereabouts
Chatterton added: “These dispersal zones are just one measure we are introducing to keep our communities safe. They are extremely effective as it allows us to identify youths who are causing or likely to commit crimes or cause ASB to leave the designated area and not return for 48 hours. If they return, an offence would have been committed and they could be arrested.”
He also reminded parents and guardians of the importance of knowing where their children are, stating: “No parent wants a knock on their door from a police officer informing them that their child has been arrested or even been involved in a serious accident.”
Full list of dispersal zones
The zones cover Toxteth, Speke, Garston, Dingle, Everton and Belle Vale in Liverpool, with specific boundaries detailed for each area. The zones are in effect from 3pm today until 1am on Sunday, November 1. Residents experiencing antisocial behaviour or criminal damage are urged to report it to police so action can be taken.
