Following yesterday’s implementation of additional stop and search powers in Totton (Section 60), a dispersal order is now in force for Totton town centre.

It was effective from 4.20pm today (Monday 30 December) and will remain in place until 4.19pm on Wednesday 1 January.

The area covered by the order includes Totton town centre / precinct and the surrounding area, as shown in the below map.

The order, under Section 34 of the Antisocial Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act (2014), is in response to recent information received, which indicated the potential for disorder in the town.

It has been authorised to help officers continue to effectively respond to and tackle any arising issues or criminality, keeping local communities safe in the process.

The order gives our officers the power to order a person to leave the areas concerned with no return within the specified time period.

It also gives officers the power to seize anything used in the commission of ASB.

Those who refuse to comply with the order are committing a criminal offence and are liable for arrest.

Individuals who are aged under 16 will be taken be to their home address, and follow-up work will be done with parents.

Inspector Allan Dineley, said, “Unfortunately, we are seeing a minority of people who appear intent on involving themselves in criminality and disorder in the local area.

“We will not tolerate this and are putting these measures in place to help us prevent and address these issues, and keep our communities safe.

“The tactics we are using are a robust measure to keep the public safe and ensure local people’s lives aren’t disrupted

“If you have witnessed or been affected by any of this type of behaviour in the area, please continue to report it to police, so we can target our patrols and take further proactive action.”

Anyone with any information about criminality in their local area should call 101, or report online via the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary website, always calling 999 in an emergency.

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