Police gain new powers to clear gangs from public areas

New powers have been taken up by the police and Ealing Council to tackle what they describe as 'a significant and persistent problem' with anti-social behaviour around two local parks.

They say that there are grounds to believe that members of the public have been intimidated or distressed as a result of the behaviour of groups around Southfield playing fields and Acton Green.

From 26th August to 25th February 2012 police officers and PCSOs will be able to ask a group of people to disperse and, if they are not residents, to leave the area and not to return within 24 hours.

If the person so instructed does not comply then they may be liable to a fine or up to three months imprisonment under the Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003.

If you are under 16 you may not be allowed to be here between the hours of 9pm and 6am unless you are under the effective control of a parent or responsible person over the age of 18. The police will have the power to take children found in these areas to their homes

Areas Covered by Dispersal Zones

A notice will be displayed in the affected area announcing the end of the authority when it no longer applies.

Rene Biro of the Southfield Safer Neighbourhood Team told us, "Due to the high level of complaints from residents and park users regarding anti social behaviour caused by groups of people in the above mentioned locations, the team had decided that the best way to resolve this is to implement dispersal zones in and around the these locations.

"This means that anyone in a group of two or more who is likely to behave in an anti-social manner will be directed to leave the area for a specified time.

"The dispersal order should/would not therefore affect local resident and law abiding citizens wishing to use the parks and areas affected by the dispersal order."

For further information, contact Southfield Safer Neighbourhood Team - 0208 721 2946

August 30, 2011