48-hour dispersal order issued for Telford town centre after antisocial behaviour from youths

West Mercia Police officers in Telford have issued a 48-hour dispersal order in response to an increase in antisocial behaviour (ASB) in the Southwater area of the town centre.

The order, which came into effect from 7.40pm on Saturday, November 23, is in place until 7.40pm tomorrow, Monday, November 25. 

Dispersal orders provide extra powers to the police to exclude individuals aged over 10 who cause antisocial behaviour.

The dispersal powers can also be used to remove those committing crime and disorder not only when they have occurred or are occurring, but when they are deemed likely to occur and in any locality.

West Mercia Police say they are acting in response to incidents of youths engaging in ASB in the Southwater area on Saturday evening.

The Section 35 Dispersal Order notice under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime & Policing Act 2014 includes Telford Shopping Centre and Telford Town Park.

Inspector Jodie Davies of Telford Problem Solving Hub said: “We have issued this dispersal due to reports of youths causing ASB in the Southwater area yesterday evening.

“The aim of the order is to prevent the minority from ruining it for the majority trying to go about their normal business in peace and for us to provide reassurance to the public.

“The dispersal order provides police officers additional powers to exclude individuals from the town centre if they choose to act in an inappropriate way.”

Inspector Davies said people who notice more officers within the town centre should not be alarmed, adding "They are there to help and to prevent any localised anti-social behaviour. Please approach the officers if you need to and they will happily assist in any way they can."