Five people were issued with a dispersal notice and two people were arrested in Torquay today, 24th August.
Police in Torquay announced this morning that a Section 35 Dispersal authority under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Police Act was in place for Torquay from 7am this morning, until 5pm tomorrow, 25th August.
There have been concerns with the amount of begging and drug taking in the town centre area (Read more here).
Torquay Police posted on Facebook this evening:
“Since 0700hrs this morning, five dispersal notices have been issued and two people have been arrested in Torquay. These are directly linked to the ongoing problems you have seen from Castle Circus to The Strand over recent weeks.
“We are aware there are some concerns over this being one day and that it only concentrates on a specific area of town but this is an authority that can be given for any location at any time of the day or night. Provided the authorising officer is satisfied on reasonable grounds that the use of this power will reduce the likelihood of the public being caused harassment, alarm or distress or the occurrence of crime or disorder then a dispersal authority can be made. The maximum dispersal time is 48hrs but this doesn’t mean a further authority can’t then be made for another 48hrs if it is proportionate and necessary.
“The reason Torquay town centre was the starting point for Today is simple. It’s the area with the most regular problems and the highest number of perpetrators. This did not mean that other locations were being neglected or overlooked.
“As today shows, a relatively low number of dispersals and arrests can have a wide impact on other perpetrators and many will leave the area promptly to avoid police action.
“Remember, reporting is key – If we can secure evidence from you, we can take action,”
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