Police issue dispersal order on Havant green spaces

Hampshire Constabulary has enforced a Section 35 dispersal order over this weekend at Havant Rugby Club and Bidbury Mead, near Bedhampton Railway Station.

The order gives police the power to order someone to leave the designated area and not return for 24 hours to prevent crime and disorder. Failure to comply with this is a criminal offence.

Police in Havant have also stepped up patrols in the area.

Posting on social media, Havant Police said: ‘We have implemented dedicated daily patrols to the Bedhampton area in recent weeks.

‘This weekend we are adding extra patrols to that in order to reduce anti-social behaviour.

‘We are going to continue these patrols over the coming days and increase our presence in order to deter groups from congregating and prevent further disorder.’

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The police force added that is was aware these areas are used by families, but stressed that the main goal is to keep people safe.

People can be dispersed if they are involved in anti-social behaviour, cause criminal damage, shout verbal abuse or cause a noise disturbance.

Anyone under the age of 16 can be taken home to their parents by the police, if it is deemed appropriate.

Those who breach the dispersal order will be arrested – this can lead to being charged and appearing in court, which in turn can end up in people getting a criminal record.

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