[dropcap type=”circle”]M[/dropcap]erseyside Police has put in place a Section 60 Order in the Heswall and Pensby areas today. The order means that between 4.00 pm and midnight officers can search people for offensive weapons.
A dispersal zone has also been implemented within the area and will be in effect during the same hours as the Section 60 Order. The dispersal zone allows Police officers and Police Community Support Officers to direct persons to leave the area within the zone for a period of up to 48 hours. If a person directed to leave the area returns to the zone, or fails to leave the zone they will be committing an offence and could be arrested.
The decision to implement the orders, which will be in place between 4.00 pm and midnight, is in response to the increase in anti-social behaviour within the area. This includes youths reportedly in possession of weapons close to Dawstone Park in Heswall, and the assault on a female in the Fishers Lane area of Pensby, who was stabbed by a youth.
The orders will be in place for eight hours between 4.00pm and midnight. The designated area for the Section 60 Order and the Section 34 Dispersal Zone includes the area enclosed by the following roads, Thurstaston Road / Telegraph Road / Quarry Road East / Irby Road / Fishers Lane / Ridgewood Drive / Pensby Road / Whitfield Lane / Milner Road/Barnston Road / Telegraph Road / Gayton Road / Village Road / Thurstaston Road. The area includes a number of local parks and open spaces that the young people involved in the recent disorder are known to attend.
Area Commander Ian Hassall said: “The behaviour of those involved is despicable and has a direct impact on our community. We will not tolerate it and we are committed to tackling those intent on committing crimes.
“Our aim is to deter people from committing crimes, to identify those who are likely to offend and prevent them from doing so.
“We do not underestimate the impact on people living and working in the area. We will work closely with partner agencies in order for us to take positive steps against those responsible.
“I would encourage anyone who has witnessed this behaviour or knows those involved to speak with us and we will ensure that appropriate action is taken.”
If anyone does have information about the illegal possession of weapons, or the recent disorder please call Merseyside Police on the 101 number. You can also report information confidentially to Crime stoppers on 0800 555 111.
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