Borehamwood Dispersal Order

10 April 2012, 12:17 | Updated: 10 April 2012, 12:47

Police have been given the power to move on groups of people causing trouble in a part of Borehamwood.

The six month dispersal order that came into force on Tuesday 10 April 2012 is designed to tackle anti-social behaviour in the Alban Crescent area of Cowley Hill.

The order gives police officers the power to ask groups of two or more people who are causing trouble, harassment or alarm, or are likely to cause it, to leave a designated area.

People who are asked to go away, but come back within 24 hours, can be arrested.

Neighbourhood Inspector for Hertsmere, Neil Morehen, said: “This is the first ever dispersal order for Hertsmere and experience from other areas where they have been in place shows they assist greatly in reducing anti-social behaviour.
 
“The order was requested to address the behaviour of a small number of youths and young adults that has had an adverse effect on the quality of life of the residents in the area.
 
“In the last year officers and PCSOs, working in partnership with Hertsmere Borough Council and local housing associations, have been using different tactics to reduce incidents of anti-social behaviour, these include high visibility and plain clothes patrols, the use of CCTV and targeting those believed to be involved in incidents.
 
“Those committing anti-social behaviour are in the minority however, it is important we do all we can to ensure law abiding citizens can go about their daily business unaffected and not feel intimidated.  I look forward to seeing the positive effects in the coming months.”
 
Hertsmere’s Chief Executive Dr Donald Graham said: “We have not taken this decision lightly but hope it demonstrates to residents that the council – working together with its partner agencies – will do whatever it can to tackle anti-social behaviour which can cause misery and distress to people and be a blight on neighbourhoods.”
 
The dispersal order covers the following roads:
• Cowley Hill
• Winstre Road
• Grove Road
• Norton Close
• Gateshead Road
• Reston Close
• Pursley Gardens
• Crown Road
• Alban Crescent
• Odessey Road
• Caishowe Road
• Hartforde Road
• Bracken Close
• Parts of Thirsk Road and Stanborough Avenue