Arrests Made as Part of Berwick Hills Dispersal Order Patrols

Neighbourhood policing officers have arrested two youths on suspicion of breaching a 48-hour dispersal order put in place in Berwick Hills, Middlesbrough.

Five youths were directed to leave the area under the order, which gives officers the power to disperse groups of youths from a specified zone immediately for a period of 48 hours, and if they return within that time frame they can then be arrested for being in breach of the order.

Two of the youths who allegedly returned to the area were arrested and later bailed pending further enquiries.  

The order is one of a number of actions being taken by police and local authority colleagues to help combat a recent increase in incidents of antisocial behaviour in Berwick Hills.

Recent issues reported include groups of youths gathering outside of Norfolk Place shops and refusing to move, throwing items at passing traffic and being abusive to customers and staff working in the shops.

Acting Inspector Steve Pattison said: “We won’t tolerate the behaviour of anyone who makes the lives of those living and working in the area a misery.

“The dispersal order used this week has given us the power to remove youths from the area with immediate effect and two youths believed to be breaching the order have been arrested.

“Partnership working is continuing with local authority colleagues from the Antisocial Behaviour Team and there will be a continued high-visibility policing presence in the Berwick Hills area.”

Additional dispersal orders can be put in place as an operational tool to help combat any further issues.

Police are encouraging members of the public to speak with them about any issues or concerns they may have. Middlesbrough Neighbourhood Team officers will be present outside the Neptune Centre on Wednesday 18^th January from 10am to speak in person.

People can also contact Middlesbrough Neighbourhood Team by calling 101.