Southampton city centre dispersal order in place following increased reports of anti-social behaviour

A dispersal order is currently in place in Southampton city centre following numerous reports of anti-social behaviour in and around the Marlands Shopping Centre yesterday evening (Tuesday 4 March).

We received a number of reports shortly after 7pm of teenagers acting in an anti-social manner in the area. Amongst these reports was an incident in which a member of staff at the Marlands had been assaulted and a camera had been stolen. The staff member, who is in his 20s, sustained minor injuries.

In response to this, officers implemented a dispersal order under Section 34 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 to cover the area pictured in the attached map at 8pm, which will remain in place until 8pm tomorrow (Thursday 6 March).

Dispersal orders enable police to deal with any issues of ASB in a directed area more effectively, and give our officers the power to order a person to leave the area with no return within the specified time period. Those who refuse to comply with the order are committing a criminal offence and are liable for arrest.

Southampton’s City Centre Unit, alongside our response and criminal investigation colleagues, have been working hard to address ASB and criminality in the city centre including shoplifting and disorder, and dispersal orders such as these are just one of the tactics available to use to tackle these issues.

Officers attended the area yesterday evening and will be patrolling throughout today and tomorrow.

As part of our ongoing enquiries into the incidents reported to us, a 13-year-old girl has been dispersed from the area, taken home and issued with a community resolution. 

Anyone with any questions, information or concerns is asked to approach patrolling officers or call us on 101.