25 June 2008

Thames Valley Police in partnership with Milton Keynes Council has obtained a dispersal order in Conniburrow, Downs Barn and Downhead Park.

The order goes live on 1 July and runs until 1 January 2009 and is part of a crackdown on anti-social behaviour in the area. It is being introduced in direct response to concerns from residents about underage drinking, rowdiness and noise nuisance which has left residents feeling intimidated when out on the estate.

It will allow police and police community support officers (PCSOs) to move groups of two or more people away from the dispersal area and prevent them from returning within a 24-hour period.

A person aged under 16 who is in the area between 9pm and 6am, unsupervised by an appropriate adult over the age of 18, can be removed and taken back home by an officer or PCSO.

PC Dave Goodwin, anti-social behaviour officer for Milton Keynes, said: “The dispersal order was specifically introduced to tackle this type of problem. Officers in Milton Keynes have used it very effectively in other areas of the city and we are expecting similar results on this occasion.

“It will enable us to target a small minority of individuals who cause problems. The legislation will allow us to deal robustly with those responsible and deter those who may be drawn in.”

The dispersal order is granted under the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003 and is a multi-agency approach. Authorisation is needed from the local authority as well as the police, and the process of consultation involves a number of key agencies within both organisations.

Local Parish and Ward councillors, together with shops and businesses, have added their support to the application. Posters will be placed in the locality advising people of the order and what it means to them.