Wiltshire Police has authorised a dispersal order covering part of Swindon town centre following an increase in reports of anti-social behaviour in recent weeks.
The order was authorised shortly before 4pm on Friday, 7 August, under Section 34 of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.
It covers Fleming Way and the immediate area around Swindon bus station, where police say recent reports have included groups congregating, drinking alcohol and taking drugs, with some members of the public reporting that they have been made to feel unsafe.
The order gives officers additional powers to disperse people from the designated area and exclude them for up to 48 hours.
Anyone who fails to comply with a dispersal direction could face arrest and prosecution.
The decision follows an incident on Friday afternoon when officers from the Central South Neighbourhood Policing Team used existing powers under Swindon’s Town Centre Public Space Protection Order (PSPO).
The PSPO includes restrictions on drinking alcohol in open public spaces and breaches can result in a £100 fine.
Sgt Ed Rogers said a woman in her 40s was arrested and charged following the incident with a Section 5 Public Order Offence and failing to comply with a requirement to stop drinking alcohol or surrender a container under Section 63(6) of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.
She is due to appear in court in September.
Sgt Rogers said the dispersal order was intended to address the behaviour of a small number of people whose actions were affecting others using the town centre.
“The authorisation of this dispersal order was granted following an earlier incident on Friday afternoon where officers from Central South Neighbourhoods Policing Team enforced the existing Town Centre Public Space Protection Order,” he said.
“Swindon Neighbourhood Policing Teams will not tolerate the behaviour of those few, who seek to prevent the vast majority of our community from peacefully enjoying the use of our public spaces and amenities.
“We will continue to exercise our powers to make Swindon a safer place for all, through pursuit of, and robust action against, our most prolific offenders.”
The dispersal powers apply within the designated zone and are in addition to existing policing powers and the Town Centre PSPO.
Residents can report anti-social behaviour to Wiltshire Police through 101 or via the force’s website.
Information about Swindon Borough Council’s Public Space Protection Order is also available through the Council.
