Dispersal order in place for Basingstoke this week

A dispersal order is in place this week to support our #SaferStreetsSummer campaign in Basingstoke following recent reports of anti-social behaviour and retail crime in the town centre.

The order, under Section 34 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, has been authorised to cover the area pictured in the map from 8am tomorrow (Wednesday 6 August) until 2am on Friday 8 August. 

It follows recent reports shoplifting, criminal damage, theft and anti-social behaviour as well as reports of young people causing issues in the town centre and being abusive to retail staff and security.  

The order enables officers to deal with any issues of ASB in a directed area more effectively. It means the police will be able order a person to leave the area with no return within the specified period.

Those who refuse to comply 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/guardians, and officers will carry out follow-up work.

Officers will be out patrolling the area this week, and anyone who has concerns is asked to speak to them or call 101. In an emergency, always dial 999.

Basingstoke Town Inspector Charlie Ilderton said: “We are continuing to take all reports of youth-related anti-social behaviour extremely seriously which is why we have implemented a dispersal order this week.

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

“We know that anti-social behaviour and any associated criminality can make life miserable for local residents and businesses, but please be reassured that we are determined to put a stop to it and target the individuals involved.

“We will continue to work alongside our partners to tackle reports of anti-social behaviour in the district and we have launched an operation with the aim of identifying those people involved and we will be taking robust action.

“We would urge parents to ask to ask their children what they are planning to do and when and to have conversations about the consequences of their behaviour. Who are they going out with? What time, and how they will be getting home?”

If you have witnessed or been affected by anti-social behaviour in the area, please continue to report it to police, so we can target our patrols and take further proactive action.

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.