Dispersal Zone in Maghull today following incidents of antisocial behaviour

Merseyside Police are introducing a Dispersal Zone in Maghull today (Monday 16 June) following recent incidents of antisocial behaviour.

The order will run from 11am to 11pm and will encompass the main parks in Maghull to prevent further incidents, such as those seen last month around Maghull’s Cricket Club.

Officers will be in the area to provide a visible presence and deal with any incidents.

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 they suspect are causing or likely to cause crime, nuisance or anti-social behaviour to members of the public to leave a designated area and not return for up to 48 hours. 

Under the legislation, officers have the power to seize any item, including vehicles, used in the commission of anti-social behaviour. 

Should a person who has previously been directed to leave the area return, an offence would be committed, which they may ultimately be arrested for.

Sefton’s Neighbourhood Inspector Kenneth Sumner said: "We have received reports of groups of young people gathering in areas of Maghull. Many have stayed out of trouble socialising with their friends, but some have been involved in anti-social behaviour. This issue is a top priority for our team and we are working closely alongside businesses, the council and other partners to ensure that appropriate plans are in place. 

"Officers will be continuing to provide a visible police presence in areas of Maghull. We regularly engage with the public and businesses to provide reassurance, advice on crime prevention, and supporting them in reviewing CCTV to identify suspects and support prosecutions.

"Putting in place the Section 34 Dispersal Powers provides us with the powers needed to remove those causing issues from a designated area. 

"Such extra action isn’t about bothering anyone going about their daily business or preventing young people from meeting up with friends. It’s simply about taking action to reduce, anti-social behaviour and make sure that everyone can feel safe in Sefton. We will not tolerate groups intimidating, threatening and frightening people visiting, living and working in the Maghull area, or anywhere across Merseyside. The aim, as always, is to keep the public safe and free from the fear that can be caused by such behaviour.

"I'd also like to take this opportunity to ask parents and carers to make sure that they know where their children are, and what they are doing. If they are spending hours away from home in the evenings and weekends, be aware of their movements, both for their own safety and the safety of others. The vast majority of young people are well-behaved, but the parents and carers of those who cause issues can expect a knock on the door from officers, and for further action to be taken."

Anyone with information about ASB and crime in the Maghull area or elsewhere is asked to DM @MerPolCC, message ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre on Facebook’ or @CrimestoppersUK on 0800 555 111 or online via: Give information anonymously | Crimestoppers.

You can also pass information anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Always call 999 if a crime is in progress.