Police in Gloucester have implemented stricter measures to curb disruptive behaviour by groups of youths at two prominent shopping locations. Starting at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, January 20, a dispersal order under Section 35 of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 came into effect at Gloucester Quays and Peel Retail Park. This order empowers officers to disperse groups of two or more individuals suspected of engaging in behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm, or distress, and will remain active until 8 a.m. on Thursday, January 22.
Gloucestershire Constabulary reports a recent surge in incidents involving intimidation of the public and retail staff, theft, criminal damage, and assaults in these areas. Under the dispersal order, officers can direct groups to leave the location for up to 48 hours. Any group members who return within this period risk arrest.
Sergeant Liz Lovell of the Gloucester Neighbourhood Policing Team emphasized the force’s commitment to community safety: “We will not tolerate anyone who believes they can act above the law. Everyone deserves to live and visit our city without fear, and we are taking decisive action against irresponsible behaviour.”
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This is not the first instance of Section 35 powers being used in Gloucester Quays and Peel Retail Park; similar orders were issued in December and September of the previous year to address ongoing antisocial issues.