Police get new powers to deal with anti-social behaviour
The police and the Council have joined forces to obtain a dispersal order covering Acton Park. The order will allow the police to order groups of more than two to leave the park and require any youth under 16 to be accompanied by an adult after 9pm
To gain the powers the partnership had to show sufficient evidence/intelligence of persistent anti-social behaviour to support the introduction of the dispersal order. Partnership intelligence evidence submitted highlighted that there is a problem with groups of youths gathering in this new dispersal area who are involved in drugs activity, fighting, street drinking, street crime, intimidation, harassment, and being abusive to members of the public using the park and surrounding streets.
The intelligence gathered comes from a variety of sources such as, local residents, local businesses, East Acton Ward Safer Neighbourhood Team, Housing Associations, Acton Park Wardens, Parks and Countryside, Ealing Council and Ealing Borough Police being called to the area to deal with incidents.
To remain or return to this area having been told to leave by a police officer or PSCO is now an offence under Section 32 of the Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003, punishable by 3 months imprisonment and / or a fine not exceeding £2500.
Detective Superintendent Chris Foster, Ealing Borough Police said of the order, “Ealing Borough Police is committed to working in partnership with Ealing Borough Council to tackle anti-social behaviour. We believe the introduction of the dispersal order in this area will help achieve a sustained reduction of crime and disorder in the area and send a clear message to those involved in anti social behaviour that it will not be tolerated."
He encouraged all residents to continue to share information about crime and anti-social behaviour issues with the police or council as this will assist the Safer Ealing Partnership in reducing Antisocial Behaviour.
Natalie Pace, Ealing Council's Anti-social Behaviour Co-ordinator said, "The safety of residents is the council’s utmost priority and they should be able to enjoy Acton Park without feeling intimidated or harassed. The council will not tolerate people’s quality of life being affected by anti social behaviour. We will continue to work side by side with the police and do everything we can to tackle this issue. "The East Acton Safer Neighbourhoods Team are currently in the process placing posters detailing the new powers on lampposts and prominent public areas in the new dispersal area.
There is also a dispersal order applying in the vicinity of Acton High and Twyford Schools until 17th October.
September 5, 2005
| Participate | |
If you wish to report antisocial behaviour in the Acton Park Dispersal Area you can do so by contacting the East Acton Safer Neighbourhoods Team on 020-8721-2708a Or Ealing Borough Police (Non Emergency Telephone Number) 020-8246-1212 Or Via E-Mail to: ealingintelligence-xb@met.police.uk Or Ealing Borough Council on 020-8825-5000 Alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555-111 |