Crystal Palace Local

A NEW dispersal zone has been made covering part of Upper Norwood.

The order, made by the Safer Croydon Partnership, covers the areas of Grange Road, Beauchamp Road, Burlington Road, Beulah Crescent, Sanfield Passage, Sanfield Road and along the railway line from here to Grange Road.

Aimed at tackling crime and anti-social behaviour it commences on 12 September and continues until March 11 2012  
Dispersal orders run for six months and help to support local community-backed plans. These include the local Safer Neighbourhood Team supporting the youth service street based team in encouraging young people to engage in positive activities.

The orders give the police extra powers in particular areas, and help to stop individuals and groups from causing a disturbance. Those acting lawfully will not be affected.

Dispersal orders apply to all ages, with the police permitted to return those under 16 back to their homes if they are likely to be a victim, or acting anti-socially.

During the period the order gives police the power to give the following directions:

• Tell people in the group to disperse (either immediately or at a stated time and in a stated way).
• Tell people who don’t live in the affected area to leave (either immediately or at a stated time and in a stated way).
• Tell people who don’t live in the affected area not to return to the affected area or any part of it for such period (not exceeding 24 hours) from when the direction was given, as he / she may specify.

To contravene a direction is an offence under Section 32 of the Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003, punishable by 3 months imprisonment and / or a fine not exceeding £2500.

Croydon's cabinet member for community safety, councillor Simon Hoar said: “Dispersal orders play an important role in keeping our community free from unrest. “The partnership has seen the positive results they can bring to help crime reduction.”