Dispersal order to curb anti-social behaviour in Worthing

A dispersal order has been issued to make Worthing town centre more pleasant

Under the Section 30 order, police officers and PCSOs can tell groups of two or more people, who are causing significant and persistent anti-social behaviour, to leave the area and not return for up to 24 hours.

The order is not designed to create an exclusion zone or a curfew area, but is intended to make the area more pleasant for those who live, work and visit.

Police will not necessarily disperse people in this area just because they are in a group, it is aimed at giving police additional powers to deal more effectively with groups who decide to cause problems.

PC Marv Lucas, of Worthing’s Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “This dispersal zone will help us to combat anti-social behaviour which is primarily caused by the street drinking community in the town centre.

“This order will help the immediate problems their anti-social behaviour can cause but we are looking at the longer term help we can give these people alongside our partners at the council, Crime Reduction Initiative (CRI) and Worthing Churches Homeless Project.

“We are introducing this zone for the residents and businesses who have been effected by the street drinkers who cause some anti social behaviour in the Liverpool Gardens and Montague Street area.”

Officers, who work in the town, will join representatives from other agencies at an open day on June 11, from 11am to 1pm, in Liverpool Gardens, Worthing, to offer support and advice to the street community.

John Mitchell, director for communities, Adur and Worthing Councils, said: “We welcome any action taken by the police to address anti-social behaviour that adversely affects those who live, work and visit Worthing. We will continue to support a variety of measures to reduce the impact of the behaviour of this small group of individuals which includes both enforcement and assistance where appropriate.”

A video with PC Lucas and Worthing Town Centre Initiative manager co-ordinator Sharon Clarke talking about the dispersal order is available at http://youtu.be/i_Xyrdh4kHw