Dispersal order in place due to antisocial behaviour in Andover

The order was made on Tuesday, May 28 and lasts until 2.15pm on Thursday, May 30. This could continue if police receive further reports of antisocial behaviour.

These powers will be effective in a specific area, which includes Anton Mill Road and the surrounding area.

A map of where the dispersal order has been put in place in Andover (Image: Hampshire Constabulary)Dispersal orders enable police to deal with any issues of antisocial behaviour in a directed area more effectively, and gives officers the power to order a person to leave the area with no return for a specified time period.

Those who refuse to comply with the order are committing a criminal offence and are liable for arrest.

Children between the ages of 10 and 16 who are issued with dispersal notices will be taken home to their parents/guardian, and officers will carry out follow-up work.

The order comes following reports of antisocial behaviour, including a public order incident that was reported to police just after 7pm on Monday, May 27.

It was reported that a group of young people were fighting in the car park of the Asda supermarket in Anton Mill Road.

Officers attended to disperse the group. No injuries were reported. The incident is being investigated and police are making contact with those involved.

Officers will be patrolling this area throughout the rest of this week. If you have any questions or concerns, please speak to them.

Sergeant Rob Perry, from Andover’s Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “Antisocial behaviour and any associated criminality can make life miserable for local residents and businesses.

“As we move into the summer, we want our young people to enjoy the warmer weather and spend time outdoors, but any youth-related anti-social behaviour and violence will not be tolerated and offenders will be dealt with robustly.

“This will ensure that everyone can enjoy the town centre and outdoor spaces free from intimidation.”

Police will continue to make enquiries and use all tactics available to use to tackle antisocial behaviour, so please keep reporting incidents to them. 

Anyone with information about antisocial behaviour is asked to contact police on 101, or submit information online via the constabulary's reporting tool here: hampshire.police.uk/ro/report/asb/asb-v3/report-antisocial-behaviour.