Dispersal orders issued and arrests made as part of clamp down on anti-social behaviour in Eastleigh town centre

Officers issued a number of dispersal orders to young people in Eastleigh as part of a clamp down on continued anti-social behaviour and criminality in Eastleigh town centre.

The order, which was put in place over the weekend by the local Neighbourhood Policing Team from 4pm on Saturday 29 July for a 48-hour period until 4pm on Monday 31 July across a number of locations within the Eastleigh town centre area.

The powers were enacted in response to a number of anti-social behaviour incidents in the area on Friday evening (28 July).

Two 16-year-old boys from Eastleigh and a 17-year-old boy from Southampton were arrested on suspicion of assault occasioning them actual bodily harm and attempted theft from a person after an incident that occurred between 1.45am and 2.30am on Saturday 29 July on Leigh Road and Market Street.

They have all since been bailed with conditions.

While a further 16-year-old was arrested on suspicion of causing criminal damage and possession of a Class B drug following an incident on Upper Market Street at around 7.50pm on Friday evening. He was later released on conditional bail.

Four people were dispersed from the area during Saturday; while a 12-year-old from Eastleigh was arrested in relation to an unrelated matter.

Eastleigh District Commander, Chief Inspector Matt Palling, said: “A dispersal order was put in place over the weekend in Eastleigh, which expires at 4pm this afternoon (31 July), to tackle increasing levels of anti-social behaviour in Eastleigh town centre; twinned with the school summer holidays.

“These powers were in direct response to continued anti-social behaviour and criminality in the local area.

“The order gave officers the power to disperse people involved in anti-social behaviour in the area, as well as the power to seize anything used in the commission of anti-social behaviour.

“Officers issued four dispersal notices during this time period; to a group of young people who were reportedly seen to be being verbally abusive towards staff and members of public at a store on Leigh Road. They were ordered to leave the area immediately by local officers, a request which they duly complied with.

“By taking direct action this weekend, we have now managed to ensure that young people causing issues within the local community are either excluded from entering Eastleigh town centre, on further conditional bail, or in some cases, have both been excluded from entering the local area and been given further bail conditions such as curfews.

“Other than those few incidents, we are pleased to say that the dispersal order has had the desired impact and that there have been no new reports made by local residents or business owners; however, officers will continue to patrol the area.

“Our local neighbourhood policing team have been out in the community and engaged with the local residents and business owners about the issues impacting the area and taken the time to listen to their ongoing concerns. Thank you to all of those who have complied and respected the dispersal order, your co-operation has been very much appreciated.

“As always, if you see anything or anyone acting suspiciously, or if you witness a crime – please continue to report this to us via the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary website or by calling 101.

“Information that we received from the community is vital and informs where we put our resources and take action against any illegal activity. If it is an emergency, please dial 999 immediately.”