A DISPERSAL zone has been introduced in Whiston following reports of anti-social behaviour and criminal damage in the area.

Following reports of criminal damage, with ten vehicles damaged and smashed along Cronton Avenue, Merseyside Police have enforced a dispersal zone from 3pm on Thursday, October 31 until the same time on Friday, November 1, when the order will be further reviewed.

The Dispersal Zone covers the areas within the boundaries of Pottery Lane, Stadt Moers Park, Straight across to Whiston Train station, Cumber Lane, Fox’s Bank Lane, towards the M62, Windy Arbor Road and Cronton Avenue, alongside the M57 to Pottery Lane.

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Police have enforced a dispersal zone after the reports of criminal damagePolice have enforced a dispersal zone after the reports of criminal damage (Image: Rainhill Rocks) Under the Anti-Social Behaviour & Policing Act, dispersal zones give police officers the powers to direct people engaging in anti-social behaviour to not return to a specific area 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.

Neighbourhood Policing Inspector David Hassett said: “We are aware there were incidents of criminal damage to cars on Cronton Avenue last night, so we have proactively put this dispersal zone in place.

“This appalling behaviour by a small minority of youths is totally unacceptable and won’t tolerated.

“We understand the impact it has on the community and would like to reassure people that we are actively and robustly responding to the situation by putting proactive measures in place to prevent offences from taking place, along with a high-visibility police presence patrolling the area. 

“Sadly, as you will appreciate not all parents play an active role. With this, I appeal to parents and guardians and urge them to know where their child is, what they are up to and friends they are with. It is not only to stop them causing unnecessary distress to residents in the area, but also for their own safety and welfare.”

Information on anti-social behaviour vcan be passed on to the police via @MerPolCC on Twitter or 'Merseyside Police Contact Centre' on Facebook. 
You can also contact the independent charity Crime stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.