Police introduce new Dispersal Area
Increased anti-social behaviour by groups in the West Ealing area has led Ealing Police to introduce a dispersal order in some streets in the neighbourhood. Intelligence reports collated by the police and council over 12 months specify that there is a significant problem with groups of people involved in:
The Dispersal Order covers Manor Road, Drayton Avenue, Drayton Gardens, Drayton Grove, Drayton Road, Drayton Green, Sutherland Road, Sutherland Avenue, Drayton Green Road, The Avenue & Kirchen Road, Ealing, W13. It will be in place between 28th May - 27th November 2006.
Under the order, a Police Constable / PCSO may give one or more of the following directions:
��tell people in the group to leave the area
��tell people who don't live in the area to leave
��tell people who don't live in the area not to return to the area for up to 24 hours
People under 16 you are not allowed to be in the area between the hours of 9pm and 6am unless you are under the effective control of a parent or responsible person over the age of 18, and they may be removed to your home or place of safety if more appropriate. To remain or return to this area having been told to leave is an offence under Section 32 of the Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003, punishable by 3 months imprisonment and / or a fine not exceeding �2500.
A High Court case was brought by the organisation 'Liberty' against the Secretary of State for the Home Department, the Commissioner of Police for the Metropolis (MPS) and the London Borough of Richmond-upon-Thames in 2005. This case challenged the part of the Dispersal Power (Section 30(6), Part 4 of the Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003) that allows children under 16 years to be taken home between the hours of 9pm and 6am if they are not effectively supervised in a Dispersal Area.
This case focussed on the aspect of the power that allows police to 'remove' under 16s and that within the word 'remove' is an implicit power to use force if the child refuses to be taken home or other place. The result of this case is that there is now no power to use any force at all in order to remove under 16s. However, this decision does not in any way affect the power available to constables and PCSOs to direct or disperse any individual from within a Dispersal Area.
The West Ealing Dispersal Order is the Fourteenth (14th) Dispersal Zone the partnership has introduced across the borough. At present the only other dispersal orders current on Ealing Borough are
• Copley Close Housing Estate, W7 18th Apr 06 � 17th Oct 06
�The Safer Ealing Partnership is committed to maintaining an appropriate and targeted response to crime and anti-social behaviour issues on Ealing Borough. We believe this dispersal order will further enhance the community's quality of life and help achieve a sustained reduction of crime and disorder in the area.
The introduction of this dispersal order is in response to issues raised by the local community direct to Ealing Borough Police and Ealing Council. The order is aimed at reducing the problem of groups intimidating residents and passers-by in West Ealing. It will ensure that West Ealing and the surrounding streets remains a safe environment for those residents and members of the public, who live near, work and visit the area now and in the future. Any individuals, irrespective of their age, seen to be acting in an anti social manner will be dealt with appropriately.
We would encourage all residents on Ealing Borough to continue to share information about crime and anti-social behaviour issues with the partnership as this will assist the partnership in reducing anti-social behaviour and make a Ealing Borough a safer borough.�
Cllr Sue Emment, cabinet member for safer communities, said
� Residents' quality of life has been badly affected by anti-social behaviour in this area. This order will help us show those who commit these crimes that their actions will not be tolerated. The council will be fully backing the police with resources and manpower to ensure this area becomes safer.�
If you wish to report antisocial behaviour in the West Ealing Dispersal Area you can do so by contacting the:
Cleveland Ward Safer Neighbourhood Team on 020-8721-2920
Or
Ealing Borough Police (Non Emergency Telephone Number) 020-8246-1212
Or
Via E-Mail to: ealingintelligence-xb@met.police.uk
Or
Ealing Council on 020-8825-5000
Alternatively please contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555-111
In an Emergency always dial 999.
May 23, 2006