Dispersal order put in place for Abbeymead following reports of anti-social behaviour

Police have put in place a dispersal order in Abbeymead this weekend, following ongoing reports of anti-social behaviour.

The Section 34 order, which comes into effect at 2pm this afternoon (Friday 13 November), runs for 48 hours until 2pm on Sunday (15 November). It covers the whole of Abbeymead.

There have been numerous of reports of large groups of teenagers on e-scooters and e-bikes gathering in the area over the last two weeks.

The groups have been engaging in intimidating and abusive behaviour, including setting fires to bins and aiming fireworks at people and properties.

There have also been reports of the teenagers running and cycling in front of traffic and shoplifting from local businesses.

Additional patrols will be taking place throughout the weekend.

Under the order, officers can direct anyone whose behaviour is likely to result in members of the public being harassed, alarmed or distressed, to leave the area and not return until the order expires.

Any breach of the order can result in a person being arrested.

Inspector James O’Neill, from Gloucester Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “Over the last two weekends, officers have been dealing with an ongoing issue involving teenagers causing anti-social behaviour in the Abbeymead area.

“We will not tolerate anybody who believes they can create intimidation or fear among any of our communities.

“Officers will deal robustly with anybody caught behaving in this anti-social manner.

“I would urge anybody has any concerns to speak to one of our officers who will be on patrol or to contact us so that we can take action to deal with it.”

Anyone who is experiencing anti-social behaviour can call police on 101 to report it. If you can see a crime taking place and offenders are present or nearby, call police on 999.