Police have issued a dispersal order covering Stone town centre this weekend following reports of youth related anti social behaviour.
The order, which also covers Stafford town centre and Grindley Park, Meir Heath and surrounding areas, comes into effect at 6pm on Friday 12 June and is due to remain in place until 6pm on Sunday 14 June, unless extended.
Staffordshire Police said the order has been put in place under Section 34 of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.
Staffordshire Police said the order had been put in place “following increasing reports of youth-related anti-social behaviour”.
The power allows officers to direct individuals or groups of two or more people to leave an area where they believe behaviour is causing, or is likely to cause, nuisance, harassment, alarm or distress to local residents.
Police said officers can use the order to break up groups, prevent further anti social behaviour and disorder, and return under 16s to their home address.
Failure to comply with a dispersal notice is a criminal offence. Police said anyone breaching a notice may be arrested and subject to further action.
Parents and guardians are being asked to know where their children are over the weekend and to check in with them.
Residents are also being urged to continue reporting concerns so police can respond. Anti social behaviour can be reported to Staffordshire Police on 101, or by calling 999 in an emergency.
