A DISPERSAL order is in place in Denbigh this weekend amid concerns over youth-related anti-social behaviour. 

North Wales Police has said it has been receiving increasing reports of youths congregating, with some involved in criminal damage and causing harassment, alarm, and distress to residents and businesses in the town.

To support the community, police said a dispersal order has been put in place to prevent people gathering and causing "unnecessary distress and intimidation" and to allow others who want to go about their business without fear or harm.

The order that comes under the Anti-Social Behaviour & Policing Act, gives the police powers to direct people they suspect are causing or likely to cause crime, nuisance or anti-social behaviour to members of the public to leave a designated area and not return for up to 48 hours. Should a person who has previously been directed to leave the area return, an offence would be committed, which they may ultimately be arrested for.

Denbighshire Free Press:

 

The order begins at 6 pm this evening (Friday, May 20) and will be in place for the next 48 hours covering the lower section of Denbigh as defined by the map.

Officers will be in the area to provide a visible presence and deal with any incidents.

North Wales Police is urging parents and guardians to support them in preventing matters escalating further, which may result in criminal convictions.