Dispersal order authorised for Totton town centre

A dispersal order is in force for Totton town centre from 11am today (Thursday 15 August) until 11am on Saturday (17 August).

The area covered by the order includes Asda on Commercial Road and locations within a 600 metre radius of the store.

The order, under Section 34 of the Antisocial Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act (2014), is in response to recent reports of criminal damage, as well as antisocial and intimidating behaviour towards staff and customers at local businesses.

It has been authorised to help our officers effectively tackle the reported issues and keep local communities safe.

The order gives our officers the power to order a person to leave the areas concerned with no return within the specified time period.

It also gives officers the power to seize anything used in the commission of ASB.

Those who refuse to comply with the order are committing a criminal offence and are liable for arrest.

Individuals who are aged under 16 will be taken be to their home address, and follow-up work will be done with parents.

Acting New Forest Chief Inspector, Darren Ord, said, "We know it is only a small minority of people who become involved in this sort of behaviour. However, the impacts of ASB can be far-reaching and have a severe negative impact on the lives of local residents, including customers and staff at local businesses.

“Antisocial behaviour often goes hand in hand with other associated criminal activity, which has been seen here with reports of criminal damage, and we are determined to put a stop to this and target the individuals involved.

“The tactics we are using are a robust measure to keep the public safe and ensure local people’s lives aren’t disrupted.

“If you have witnessed or been affected by any of this type of behaviour in the area, please continue to report it to police, so we can target our patrols and take further proactive action.”

Anyone with any information about antisocial behaviour should call 101, or report online via the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary website.

Report antisocial behaviour | Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary