Police given new powers to tackle youth crime in Bath

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 30 Oct, 11:56 · Archive

Avon and Somerset Police have introduced a dispersal order in Bath city centre to address escalating anti-social behaviour and crime among teenagers.

Avon and Somerset Police have put a dispersal order in place for Bath city centre, Victoria Park and The Royal Crescent. The order runs from 5pm on Friday 30 October until 5pm on Sunday 1 November and is described by police as a proactive measure to tackle ongoing anti-social behaviour and crime.

The force faces what it calls 'significant demands on their time' dealing with groups of teenagers aged 12 to 17 gathering in large numbers. These groups have been involved in crimes including shoplifting and assaults, with some reported to be hate-related. Shops and restaurants in the city centre have experienced business disruption and staff abuse.

Under the dispersal order, police officers and police community support officers will be able to order people to leave a designated area if they are deemed to be contributing to anti-social behaviour. Police say the issues have escalated in recent weeks, prompting the pre-emptive authorisation of the order.

How it is being reported

• Escalating youth crime sparks new police powersPolice will have new powers as they face "escalating" anti-social behaviour and crime.Wiltshire Times · 30 Oct, 11:01
• Escalating youth crime sparks new police powersPolice will have new powers as they face "escalating" anti-social behaviour and crime.Gazette & Herald · 30 Oct, 11:01

In this story: Avon and Somerset Police · Bath · Victoria Park · The Royal Crescent

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log