Update following dispersal order in Petersfield town centre

Over the weekend, officers from Petersfield Neighbourhood Policing team set up a dispersal order to tackle anti-social behaviour in the town centre.

The order was in place between 6pm Friday, 11 March and 6pm Sunday, 13 March.

It was in response to an altercation that took place in Petersfield Town Square at around 11.48pm on Friday, 4 March.

Officers attended and located three men, two in their 40s and one in his 20s, with serious but non-life threatening injuries. They were all taken to hospital for treatment.

A 26-year-old man from Petersfield, a 46-year-old man and a 23-year-old man from Horndean, and a 27-year-old man from Bordon, have all been arrested on suspicion of wounding/inflicting grievous bodily harm without intent. All four have been questioned by officers and released under investigation while enquiries continue.

As part of our response to this incident and concerns raised in relation to an increase in anti-social behaviour in the area, officers authorised the dispersal order to help us tackle these issues and keep communities safe.

The order 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 to their home address and follow up work will be done with parents.

No dispersal orders were issued over the weekend.

One incident was reported to police at 10.20pm on Saturday, 12 March. It was reported that an 18-year-old woman was walking along Lavant Street with a friend when a group of around 6 young males walked past and started shouting abuse. One of the males from the group then assaulted the 18-year-old victim, causing her to fall to the ground. Anyone who witnessed this incident is asked to call us on 101 or report online at https://www.hampshire.police.uk/  quoting 44220100264.

Sergeant Kieren Mansell said “A dispersal order was put in place over the weekend, following an incident in the Town Square on Friday, 4 March, in which three men were injured during an altercation with another group of people.

“It was also our response to concerns raised around an increase in anti-social behaviour in the area.

“Our aim was to offer reassurance and support to our communities, and take enforcement action against those causing trouble in the town centre.

“We know anti-social behaviour and associated crime has a negative impact on the local community and our message remains clear; anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated in Petersfield.

“Officers will continue to patrol the area over the coming weeks to ensure Petersfield remains a safe place for all to enjoy.

“Please continue to report these incidents to us on 101 or via our website at http://www.hampshire.police.uk, all information helps us to direct our resources and provide the best service to our communities.”

“If a crime is in progress, always call 999.”