Two orders which allow police to disperse gatherings of more than two people come into effect in the Kingsdown Way and Rowlands Walk area of Townhill, and the Witts Hill area of Midanbury, from July 4 until January 4, 2015.
Police and Southampton City Council have taken the action because of what they describe as the “growing number of incidents of anti-social behaviour in both areas over the past few months”.
Section 30 dispersal orders allow police to disperse gatherings of more than two people and order them to leave the area for 24 hours. Anyone who refuses to leave can be fined or sent to prison.
Safer Neighbourhood Officer PC Lou Carter said: “We are asking people to make sure they report any large gatherings in the area or anti-social behaviour to us on 101 or of course if it’s an emergency on 999. Then we can take appropriate action and make best use of the dispersal order where needed.
“As well as allowing police to disperse people the order allows us to remove anyone under the age of 16 to their home if they are not with an adult.
“Many local residents are already proactively working with us to tackle the problem and report incidents to the police. It is hoped the dispersal order will lead to a further reduction in anti-social behaviour.”
“We are also working with Southampton City Council to come up with long-term solutions to the issues in the area.”
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