Police in Rochdale, Greater Manchester, have enacted a 48-hour dispersal order due to concerns about potential large-scale disturbances involving groups of young people. The Greater Manchester Police (GMP) stated that this measure grants officers additional authority to address anti-social conduct following multiple recent incidents in Rochdale town center. The order is effective from 11:30 am on Thursday until 11:30 am on Saturday.
The move comes in response to instances of anti-social behavior that have been linked to online trends, leading to the apprehension of six teenage girls in south London. Over the weekend, gatherings of youths gathered in Clapham High Street and Clapham Common, resulting in disturbances on both Saturday and Tuesday. Similar occurrences were reported in Birmingham on Friday after schools closed for the Easter break.
In an official statement, GMP announced, “Officers have enforced a 48-hour dispersal order across Rochdale Town Centre following recent incidents of anti-social behavior. This includes reports of young people harassing staff and causing damage at a business and in the town center. The objective of the order is to reduce actions that contribute to, or have the potential to contribute to, anti-social behavior, crime, or disorder in the area.”
Inspector Meena Yasin, from GMP’s Rochdale district, emphasized that the order was put in place to safeguard individuals and businesses. Yasin stated, “We have zero tolerance for anti-social behavior, and upon receiving reports, we will take decisive action – be it through proactive measures or preventive problem-solving strategies. These powers will be in effect for the next 48 hours, with officers patrolling the town center to ensure a safe and pleasant Bank Holiday weekend.”
In a separate incident, the Metropolitan Police arrested a 17-year-old girl and two 13-year-old girls on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker at Clapham High Street. The 17-year-old has been charged and is scheduled to appear in court later this month, while the two 13-year-olds have been released on bail. Additionally, three teenage girls, two aged 16 and one aged 15, were arrested for theft and assault following anti-social behavior involving a large group of young individuals in Clapham High Street on Saturday.
