Police have implemented a dispersal order covering Basingstoke town centre this week following reports of anti-social behaviour and retail crime, running from Wednesday 6 August until Friday morning.
The order, authorised under Section 34 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, will be active from 8am on Wednesday 6 August through to 2am on Friday 8 August across the designated town centre area.
The measure has been introduced in response to recent incidents including shoplifting, criminal damage, theft and anti-social behaviour, as well as complaints about young people causing disruption in the town centre and behaving abusively towards retail workers and security personnel.
The dispersal order provides officers with enhanced powers to address anti-social behaviour more effectively within the specified zone. Police will have the authority to instruct individuals to leave the area and prohibit their return during the order period.
Anyone who fails to comply with these instructions will be committing a criminal offence and faces potential arrest.
Young people aged between 10 and 16 who receive dispersal notices will be escorted home to their parents or guardians, with officers conducting subsequent follow-up work.
Police patrols will be increased in the area throughout the week, and residents with concerns are encouraged to approach officers directly or contact 101. Emergency situations should continue to be reported by dialling 999.
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Basingstoke Town Inspector Charlie Ilderton commented: “We are treating all reports of youth-related anti-social behaviour with the utmost seriousness, which is why we have put this dispersal order in place this week.
“Whilst we want young people to make the most of the pleasant weather and enjoy time outdoors, we will not tolerate youth-related anti-social behaviour and will deal with offenders decisively.
“We understand that anti-social behaviour and related criminal activity can severely impact the quality of life for local residents and businesses, but I want to reassure the community that we are committed to stopping this behaviour and targeting those responsible.
“We will maintain our partnership approach to addressing anti-social behaviour reports across the district and have launched an operation focused on identifying the individuals involved and taking firm action.
“We encourage parents to engage with their children about their plans and whereabouts, and to discuss the potential consequences of their actions. Questions like: Who are they spending time with? What time will they be out, and how will they get home?”
Anyone who has witnessed or been affected by anti-social behaviour in the area should continue reporting it to police to help target patrols and enable further proactive measures.
Those with information about anti-social behaviour can contact police on 101 or submit details online via the Hampshire Police reporting tool. If a crime is taking place, dial 999 immediately.
