Police have been given extra powers following reports of yobs riding illegal bikes dangerously and in an "intimidating" manner in parts of Liverpool. Officers have introduced a dispersal order and enhanced stop and search powers in the area following reports of anti-social behaviour and criminality.
Dispersal order in place
The measures came into force at 4pm today (Wednesday, August 19) and will remain in place until Thursday and Friday respectively, when they will be reviewed. The orders cover an area including Warbreck Moor, Wavertree Road, Kirkdale Cemetery, Seeds Lane, Longmoor Lane, Lower Lane, East Lancashire Road, Walton Hall Avenue, Queens Drive, Rice Lane and Walton Vale.
They also include Warbreck Moor Park and Garden and all streets within the designated area. Extra officers will be deployed to provide a visible presence and respond to any incidents.
Legal powers and enforcement
The dispersal order has been authorised under Section 34 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. It gives police officers and Police Community Support Officers powers to direct anyone they suspect is causing, or likely to cause, crime, nuisance or anti-social behaviour to leave a designated area and not return for up to 48 hours.
Officers can also seize items, including vehicles, which they believe have been used in anti-social behaviour. Anyone who has been directed to leave the area and returns could be committing an offence and may be arrested.
Enhanced stop and search powers have also been introduced under Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, allowing officers to stop and search people in the designated area as part of efforts to prevent serious violence.
Police response to community concerns
Neighbourhood Inspector Sean Harrison said police had seen an increase in reported anti-social behaviour which was "wholly unacceptable". He said reports included youths riding illegal electric bikes and Sur-Ron motorbikes "in a dangerous manner to cause intimidation" in the Rice Lane, Warbreck Moor, Breeze Hill, Longmoor Lane and Liverpool Loopline areas.
Inspector Harrison said: "This shameful conduct is causing unnecessary distress and intimidation to people who shouldn’t have to be confronted with such mindless behaviour, and please be assured we are taking this very seriously."
"Most young people behave responsibly, but sadly it is a minority of youths causing disruption."
"We don’t want to arrest or criminalise a young person unnecessarily, but formal action will be taken when needed. 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."
"We continue to work alongside our partners to reduce antisocial behaviour and respond to community concerns. If you witness any anti-social behaviour or have any information about such incidents, please contact or speak to our officers and we will take action."
