Police put in place dispersal order in city centre

If you’ve been to the city centre since yesterday afternoon, you may have noticed an increased police presence. Via social media, they’ve confirmed that this is because a dispersal order has been put in place.

Specifically, increased reports of antisocial behaviour has resulted in this action being taken. In particular, Cossack Green and the surrounding area has seen an increase in the number of youths causing ASB. 

The map below highlights the area covered by the dispersal order. This will remain in place until 23:59 today (30 June), but police have said it could be extended should they deem it necessary.

The order basically gives the police more powers; anyone in the area causing ASB can be asked to leave the area. Equally, any items being used to commit ASB can be seized.

Inspector Charlie Ilderton from the Southampton Central Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “Following the reports we were receiving from members of the public and the information our officers were aware of, we authorised the dispersal order to prevent antisocial behaviour in the area from escalating.

“Since the order was put in place, officers have been engaging with young people, which has meant that no-one has had to be dispersed from the area so far.

“We will continue to patrol the area and use these powers if we need to, and will extend the order if the issues flare up again.

“Hopefully our use of this order reassures the public that we are being proactive when it comes to tackling antisocial behaviour and highlights the importance of you reporting incidents to us so we can take action.

“We continue to work with our partners to come up with long term solutions to reducing antisocial behaviour, which requires a joint effort.”