Council and Police extend time on dispersal zones

The Council and the police this week signed new partnership orders that will prolong special dispersal zones in the areas. Within the zone, police have the power to split up and move on groups of people suspected of anti-social behaviour.

Recent police surveys of residents, businesses, ward panel chairs, and ward councillors, revealed overwhelming support for them. Of those polled in Wealdstone, 83% believed that people have been encouraged to use the area more often since the dispersal order started and 95% wanted to see them continue.

In Harrow town centre, 96% of respondents backed the extension. 

The zones were set up in 2009 and have lead to significant reductions in criminal damage and drugs-related activity.  

The orders, which extend the powers until the end of September are co-signed by the Council's Chief Executive, Michael Lockwood, and Harrow Borough's Deputy Commander, Police Superintendent, Neil Vyse,  

Cllr Phillip O'Dell, portfolio holder for environment and community safety on Harrow Council, said:  

"These zones are improving how safe residents and businesses feel in their neighbourhoods. They allow the police to take action to prevent a minority of youths from gathering in groups and causing distress to others.  

"Evidence shows that they are bearing down on anti-social behaviour and encouraging more residents to use Wealdstone and Harrow town centre as a result.  

"By working in partnership with the police, we are committed to improving safety for everyone in the area and keeping Harrow one of safest boroughs in London ."  

The order means PCSOs and PCs can tell groups of two or more people to leave the area or a specific part of the area, and they can take under 16s to their home address if they are not with a parent or responsible adult.  

Safer Neighbourhoods Chief Inspector Nick Davies said:  

"The results of the consultation show overwhelming support from local residents, local businesses and local ward panels for the renewal of the dispersal zones in both Harrow town centre and Wealdstone.  

"Dispersal Zones are an extremely effective tool which help our officers to reduce violence, criminal damage and anti-social behaviour.  

"This is particularly relevant during the summer months when, traditionally we see a rise in reports of these types of crime."