Gloucestershire Police have been granted additional powers to address escalating anti-social behaviour involving groups of teenagers in Abbeymead, Gloucester. A Section 34 dispersal order came into effect at noon on Sunday, March 29, and will remain active until noon on Tuesday, March 31.
This measure allows officers to require groups of two or more individuals to leave the designated area if their conduct is likely to cause harassment, alarm, or distress to the public. The decision follows an increase in reported incidents involving large youth groups in the community.
To reinforce this effort, police have increased patrols in Abbeymead and are engaging with some youths identified as involved, reaching out to their families as part of a preventative strategy. Individuals who are directed to leave and choose to return during the order’s duration face the possibility of arrest.
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Inspector James O’Neill of the Gloucester Neighbourhood Policing Team expressed disappointment at the persistence of anti-social behaviour despite earlier warnings. He stated, “We will not tolerate anyone who believes they can act above the law and have taken swift action to curb this irresponsible behaviour.”
Residents experiencing anti-social behaviour are encouraged to report incidents by calling 101. In cases where a crime is in progress and offenders are present, emergency assistance can be reached by dialing 999.