Police can now ban teenagers from Gosport waterfront as dispersal order introduced mid-heatwave
Youths have been “acting aggressively” around the waterfront, say police
Police now have the power to ban teenagers from a town’s waterfront, in a bid to tackle anti-social behaviour.
A Section 34 dispersal order has been brought in for the whole of Gosport’s waterfront, from Hardway down to Haslar and as far inwards as St Vincent College.
The order allows police officers and PCSOs to require people to leave a public place and not return for a specified period.
Police have confirmed that the dispersal order will be in place until 7.30pm on Thursday, June 25 - encompassing the peak of the hot weather forecast during the ongoing heatwave.
Announcing the order on social media, a spokesperson for the police force said: “This order has been put in place following repeated reports of a large group of youths acting aggressively, being abusive, and harassing local residents and others enjoying the waterfront.
“Anyone who refuses to leave when directed, or returns within the specified period, may be committing an offence and could be arrested.
“We want everyone to enjoy the waterfront, especially during the warmer weather - but this must be done respectfully and with consideration for others.”