Section 34 dispersal order authorised for Eastleigh Town Centre

Dispersal powers have been put in place across Eastleigh Town Centre following a number of anti-social behaviour incidents at a local convenience store and a fast-food restaurant over the weekend (22-23 Jan).

The order was authorised and activated at 4.10pm yesterday afternoon – Sunday 23 January – and will run for a period of 48 hours up until 4.10pm tomorrow afternoon – Tuesday 25 January. It will cover the area surrounding Eastleigh Swan Centre as shown in the map.

It gives officers the power to disperse people under Section 35 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, they can also seize any items used in the commission of anti-social behaviour.

Those under 16 will be taken be to their home address, and follow-up work will be done with parents.

If considered appropriate, the power could be extended beyond the 48 hour period.

Eastleigh Chief Inspector Marcus Cator, said: “We will be conducting high visibility patrols in this area to reassure the public and deal with any issues. Tackling such behaviour in our local communities remains a district priority for our officers and teams.

“We are conducting enquiries to identify those involved in the anti-social behaviour, and associated criminality, and will take robust action if deemed appropriate.

“Our Neighbourhoods Policing Team are working closely with our partners – including Eastleigh Borough Council and The Swan Centre – in order to resolve these ongoing issues and ensure that residents of Eastleigh remain safe.

“If you see any of our officers in the Town Centre and you have information regarding the incidents at the weekend, please do stop them and let them know. Alternatively, you can report any information you may have online via the Hampshire Constabulary website or by calling 101.”