Dispersal zones have been introduced across Sefton to help us keep everyone safe during the Halloween period

Merseyside Police have introduced Dispersal Zones across Sefton…

❗ The following will take effect from 3pm today (Friday 30 October) and will remain in place until 3pm on Sunday 1 November:

🟦 Crosby: The zone will cover the area bounded by Moor Lane, Forefield Lane, Moorside Park, Liverpool Road and Coronation Road.

🟦 Aintree: The dispersal zone will cover A59 Switch Island, Northern Perimeter Road, Copy Lane, Browns Lane, Edward Jenner Ave, Heysham Road, Mersey Rail Kirkby railway, Melling Road, Leeds to Liverpool Canal up to the M57 including Old Roan and Aintree railway stations.

🟦 Hatton Hill/Litherland: The zone will cover the area bounded by Boundary Road, Sterrix Lane, Gorsey Lane, Leeds to Liverpool Canal, Rimrose Brook, Cambridge Road, A565 Crosby Rd South, Peel Road, Norton Street, Knowsley Road, Linacre Lane and A5038 Netherton Way.

🟦 Maghull: The zone will cover Green Lane, Dodds Lane, Ormonde Drive, Broadwood Avenue, Hall Lane, Old Hall Road and Moss Lane.

🟦 Netherton: The zone will cover Northern Perimeter Road, Chapel Lane, Netherton Green, St Oswalds Lane, Bridge Lane, Swifts Lane, Canal from Swifts Lane to Gorsey Lane, Gorsey Lane to the boundary of Rimrose Valley Park, Fullwood Way, Trawden Way and Buckley Hill Lane.

These dispersal zones are under Section 34/35 of the Anti-Social Behaviour & Policing Act 2014, which gives police officers the powers to direct people engaging in anti-social behaviour or are likely to become involved in such incidents and not return for up to 48 hours. Officers also have the power to seize items used for anti-social behaviour.

Should a person who has previously been directed to leave but returns to the area, then an offence would be committed, and they may be arrested.

Chief Inspector Kevin Chatterton, who is the tactical operations lead for the Halloween period, said 🗣️ “We want people to enjoy the Halloween weekend, but we want them to do so without fear of their fun being spoiled by a minority intent on engaging in anti-social behaviour.

“Throughout the weekend, we have an extensive policing plan in place. It includes a high visibility presence, especially in areas where antisocial behaviour has caused distress in the past and we will use all tools at our disposal to tackle an issue we know creates worry and fear among residents.

“These dispersal zones are just one measure we are introducing to keep our communities safe. They are extremely effective as it allows us to identify youths who are causing or likely to commit crimes or cause ASB to leave the designated area and not return for 48 hours. If they return, an offence would have been committed and they could be arrested.

“I would like to take this opportunity to remind parents and guardians of the importance of knowing where your child is and what they are up to. Just imagine if it was your loved one who was on the receiving end of their irresponsible actions. No parent wants a knock on their door from a police officer informing them that their child has been arrested or even been involved in a serious accident.

“We understand the distress that incidents of anti-social behaviour and criminal damage cause so if you experience anything in the coming days please report it to us so we can take action.”

📱 To report anti-social behaviour or criminal behaviour contact us via Merseyside Police Contact Centre on social media, through AI Bobbi on our website, or by calling 101.

🚨 Always call 999 if a crime is in progress, someone is in immediate danger, or there is a threat to life.