Police are to be given enhanced powers to deal with gangs who have been intimidating people and causing damage in the Liverpool city centre and at the famous waterfront.
Merseyside Police said the new powers are in response to large groups of youths gathering on the waterfront and the Whitechapel and Liverpool ONE areas, " causing intimidation and damage to visitors and local businesses."
From 2pm today (Friday, June 4) a dispersal zone will be introduced in the city centre and will run until 2pm on Sunday (June 6).
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The order comes under Section 34 of the Anti-Social Behaviour & Policing Act 2014, which gives police officers greater powers to move people on from an area they suspect are causing or likely to cause crime, nuisance or anti-social behaviour to members of the public.
Officers also have the power to seize any item used to commit anti-social behaviour.
Should a person who has been told to leave the area return within 48-hours, an offence would be committed, which they may ultimately be arrested for.
Where does the dispersal zone cover?
The dispersal zone will cover a large part of the city centre, including: The River Mersey, St Nicholas Place, Chapel Street, Tithebarn Street, Great Crosshall Street, Byrom Street, William Brown Street, Lime Street, Renshaw Street, Berry Street, Great Georges Street, St James Place, Stanhope Street, and Mariners Wharf.
Community Policing Inspector Charlotte Irlam said: “We’re putting this order in place following reports of large groups of youths gathering on the waterfront and the Whitechapel and Liverpool One areas, causing intimidation and damage to visitors and local businesses.
"This behaviour will not be tolerated and we’ll be ensuring officers are in the area to deal with any such incidents.
“Such action isn’t about bothering anyone going about their daily business.
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"It is to ensure that the city centre remains a welcoming place for those who live, work and visit here, and to remove those who cause danger and distress with their thoughtless behaviour.
"Pass information to us and we will act.”
Always call 999 if a crime is in progress. You can pass any information on anti-social behaviour via the Merseyside Police social media desk @MerPolCC on Twitter or 'Merseyside Police Contact Centre' on Facebook.
You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their online form at: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/give-information.
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