Backing the Dispersal Zone

Councillors Osborne, Godwin and Craven have been actively backing the idea of a dispersal zone for inner Luton, and specifically around the All Saints area.

It was a key pledge to combat anti-social behaviour in the ward and we believe this zone will go along way in improving residents lives, many of whom are currently concerned by levels of petty criminality as we approach the summer months.

One of the issues raised on the doorstep include nuisance mopeds, alcohol-fuelled violence by underage drinkers and graffiti.

What is a dispersal zone?

The Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003 (ASBA) created a raft of powers which can be used by Medway Council and Kent Police to crack down on everything from nuisance behaviour such as noisy neighbours to low-level but persistent criminality such as graffiti. All issues which impact our local residents.

Under the powers under-16s can be forcibly returned to their homes by the police if they are on the streets after nine at night and unaccompanied by an adult.

Police can also order people in a dispersal zone to leave the area and not return for 24 hours.

A dispersal zone can be as small as the area surrounding a cash point or as large as an entire open area of a housing estate or row of shops. Once a dispersal order is in place, the escort power can be used against any under-16, but it does not necessarily have to be used at all.

How are the orders made?

A superintendent or above can declare a dispersal zone, providing they have the support of the local council. In theory, this means that councils and police, both of whom may be receiving complaints about unruly teenagers, have an opportunity to work together to crack the problem.

We have been actvely speaking to residents in Luton about the dispersal zone and the idea has received significant support.

Once the area is established, any police or community support officer can take the unsupervised child home or order a 24-hour dispersal. Refusal to comply is a offence that can lead to the courts.

Problems targeted for dispersal have included roads popular with joyriders, underage drinking in parks and aggravation of shopkeepers.

We will be support efforts by the Police and working with resident groups to ensure this zone is introduced.