Strict police powers in one part of Merseyside are being extended as youngsters cause havoc.
A dispersal order is continuing in Liscard, Wirral, following a rise in crime and anti-social behaviour in the area. A dispersal zone was put in place by Merseyside Police last weekend, but incidents of antisocial behaviour continued in the week.
Asda on Seaview Road, Liscard, was targeted in the early hours of Tuesday (October 25) as a group of people broke into the store's ATM room. Later the same day it was reported a "gang" of around 10 teenagers blocked a street with a large piece of wood and proceeded to hurl abuse at passing people.
READ MORE: Big friendly giant' found dead at 32
The continued dispersal order runs from 3pm tomorrow, Friday, October 28, and will last for 48 hours until 3pm on Sunday, October 30. Officers will be in the area to provide a visible presence and deal with any incidents.
The dispersal zone covers Liscard Road, Martins Lane, Grosvenor Street, Manor Road, Rake Lane, Egerton Grove, Daventree Road, Edinburgh Road, Seaview Road, Merton Road, Coningsby Drive, Britannia Road, Belvidere Road, Torrington Road, Rullerton Road, Mill Lane, Woodstock Road, Oxton Road, Poulton Road, Broughton Road, Deveraux Drive, Deveraux Road, Poulton Road, Hampstead Road and Parkside.
The order comes under Section 34 of the Anti-Social Behaviour & Policing Act 2014, which gives police officers and police community support traffic officers powers to direct people who are engaging in antisocial behaviour or are likely to become involved in such incidents. These powers will not be used for anyone visiting the area and going about their daily business.
Under the legislation, officers have the power to seize any item used in the commission of anti-social behaviour. Anyone who has previously been directed to leave the area and returns, may ultimately be arrested.
Wirral Community Policing Inspector Alan McKeon said: "This is an ongoing police operation where we continue to increase our police presence in the village, particularly in areas where there has been issues reported. This order is to ensure residents and businesses are not subjected to any such behaviour, and I would ask people to continue reporting any concerns and we will take action.
“We continue put the dispersal order in place to give officers in the area extra powers to approach people they suspect may be there to commit anti-social behaviour or other crimes. We will be in the area to provide reassurance to those people who simply want to shop or visit our neighbourhood without having to be confronted with this behaviour.
“I would urge parents and guardians to know where young people in your care are, to further assist us in dealing with those who cause trouble. In addition, we ask people to contact us with any information around the illegal sale of fireworks to young people.
“If you witness any anti-social behaviour or have any information about such incidents, please contact or speak to our officers and we will take action.”
Always call 999 if a crime is in progress. You can pass any information on anti-social behaviour via @MerPolCC on Twitter or 'Merseyside Police Contact Centre' on Facebook. You can also contact the independent charity Crime stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their online form at: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/give-information.
You can also follow @MerPolWirral on Twitter and Facebook for updates and advice.
READ NEXT
Teen found guilty of attempted murder after shooting man and girl in street
Teen girl sexually assaulted by man sat next to her on easyJet flight
Moment BMW thugs block road and attack van with metal bar
This Morning's Holly Willoughby puts head in hands as she lets slip Strictly spoiler
