Dispersal Order in place today in Aldershot

The Aldershot Town vs Woking National League football match is due to kick off at 3pm today (Thursday 26 December), and we have a dedicated policing plan in place for the town throughout the day.

Police have been working closely with both football clubs, the EBB Stadium and licensed venues in the town as part of routine partnership efforts to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all fans and the public.

We know that the vast majority of fans will do so responsibly, however we have put resources in place to take action against the small minority who may seek to cause disruption and risk the safety of the wider public.

Officers have been authorised to use dispersal powers under Section 34 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, between 10.30am today (Thursday 26 December) and 3am on Friday 27 December in the area shown on the attached map. 


Officers have the option of using these powers to disperse anyone committing anti-social behaviour if it is felt necessary to ensure people’s safety. Those who refuse to comply with the order are committing a criminal offence and are liable for arrest.

This comes following reports of a minority of spectators engaging in anti-social behaviour at recent matches involving the two clubs.

 
We recognise the vast majority of football fans come to enjoy the match and these powers will help us deal with the minority who spoil the experience for everyone else.

 
District Commander, Chief Inspector Gillian Cox said: "Our priority, as always is public safety. We want to make sure the majority of football fans who do not engage in anti-social behaviour can enjoy today's match.

 
"This festive season we want to make sure this match is remembered for all the right reasons. We want all home and visiting supporters to enjoy the game and look after each other. The dispersal zone is in place so that we have the powers to help those in the area and remove anyone causing trouble.

 
"We are telling you this in the hope that we do not have to use these powers, however they are there if we need them to ensure the safety of the public, which is our main priority.

“There will be a policing presence across Aldershot today to ensure the safety of everyone and we are confident that we have a wide range of different tactics available to us to keep people safe. This match is not an excuse for anti-social behaviour and we will take a firm approach to anyone ruining the day for real football fans.

 
"It is important our communities know what we are doing to tackle anti-social behaviour and we hope this dispersal zone and policing operation will make that minority of fans reconsider their actions.

 
"If you see our officers today please feel free to say hello or report anything in the area you're concerned about.

“Thank you to the community for your support and assistance, be safe, be responsible and we hope you enjoy the game.”