Dispersal order in place following reports of anti-social behaviour in Andover

A dispersal order has been authorised for Andover town centre in response to reports of recent youth-related anti-social behaviour.

The order was made on Tuesday 28 May and lasts until 2.15pm on Thursday 30 May. This could continue if we receive further reports of anti-social behaviour.

These powers will be effective in the area shown on the map, which includes Anton Mill Road and the surrounding area.

Dispersal orders enable police to deal with any issues of anti-social behaviour in a directed area more effectively, and gives our officers the power to order a person to leave the area with no return for a specified time period.

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

Children between the ages of 10 and 16 who are issued with dispersal notices will be taken home to their parents/guardian, and officers will carry out follow-up work.

The order comes following reports of anti-social behaviour, including a public order incident that was reported to us just after 7pm on Monday 27 May.

It was reported that a group of young people were fighting in the car park of the Asda supermarket in Anton Mill Road.

Officers attended to disperse the group. No injuries were reported. The incident is being investigated and we are making contact with those involved.

Our officers will be patrolling this area throughout the rest of this week. If you have any questions or concerns, please speak to them.

Sergeant Rob Perry, from Andover’s Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “Anti-social behaviour and any associated criminality can make life miserable for local residents and businesses.

“As we move into the summer, we want our young people to enjoy the warmer weather and spend time outdoors, but any youth-related anti-social behaviour and violence will not be tolerated and offenders will be dealt with robustly.

“This will ensure that everyone can enjoy the town centre and outdoor spaces free from intimidation.”

We will continue to make enquiries and use all tactics available to use to tackle anti-social behaviour, so please keep reporting incidents to us.

Anyone with information about anti-social behaviour is asked to contact police on 101, or submit information to us online via our reporting tool here: https://www.hampshire.police.uk/ro/report/asb/asb-v3/report-antisocial-behaviour/

If a crime is in progress, please dial 999.