Police issue dispersal order for the whole of Gosport following 'recent incidents'

In the wake of what police have called ‘recent incidents’, an order has been put in place which allows police to arrest anyone seen out and about in the town, if they have already been dispersed.

Anyone under 16 will be taken to their home address, and follow-up work will be done with their parents.

The order will be in place until 4am on Sunday, March 29.

Posting on Facebook this evening, Inspector Matthew Wake said: ‘The team have had a really busy day on patrol, engaging with the public and investigating reports of crime and anti-social-behaviour.

Please keep reporting these incidents to us using 101 and the online facility – every report you make helps assess where to concentrate our resources and what action to take to maintain order and protect the most vulnerable.

‘Officers in uniform can disperse persons who cause members of the public in the locality to be harassed, alarmed or distressed; or contribute to crime and disorder occurring in the locality.’

Dispersal orders have been enforced in Gosport before.

In November last year, dispersal orders were issued twice in seven days at Brockhurst Gate Retail Park, due to ongoing anti-social behaviour in the area.

Anyone who witnesses anti-social behaviour or large gatherings of people should call 101. If a crime is in progress, call 999.