A dispersal order has been introduced around Swindon town centre following a number of reports of anti-social behaviour involving youths.
Wiltshire Police said the Section 35 order was introduced on Friday, 14 August, covering an area around the Brunel Shopping Centre.
Officers said they had received numerous reports in recent days involving young people allegedly causing alarm and distress to shoppers and staff.
The incidents reported to police include fighting, pushing an elderly shopper, threatening security guards and criminal damage to doors and benches.
The initial dispersal order remains in place until midnight, with further orders planned for the weekend.
Section 35 dispersal powers allow officers to direct people suspected of being involved in anti-social behaviour or disorder to leave a specified area.
Anyone who refuses to leave when directed, or who returns to the area within 48 hours after being dispersed, can be arrested.
Swindon Inspector David Tippetts said the reported behaviour had caused considerable concern among people working, shopping and living in the area.
“This antisocial behaviour around the Brunel Centre in recent days has caused significant distress for workers, shoppers and residents alike,” he said.
“As a result, we are enacting these dispersal orders as a measure to target those causing disorder in the specified area.”
Inspector Tippetts added that anyone found to be involved in anti-social behaviour would be dealt with “swiftly and robustly”.
Police say the orders are intended to tackle disorder in the area and provide additional powers to officers over the weekend.
