AFTER receiving a number of complaints by locals about anti-social behaviour police authorised a dispersal order in Trowbridge last week.

Officers have been called to an area surrounding a derelict building in The Halve more than 10 times in the past month, with several residents reporting noise complaints.

As a result, last Wednesday, a dispersal order was authorised for a period of 48 hours from 6pm that day, in a bid to remove or reduce the likelihood of crime or disorder in the area.

The issues had been highlighted by the local Community Policing Team officers, working alongside Wiltshire Council.

During the 48 hours, officers and representatives from Wiltshire Council were able to engage with those people involved in the anti-social behaviour reported in the area, address the causes and help reduce the chances of them reoffending.

PC Amy Hardman said: “I was made aware of this issue through my work with the local community and engaging with the public.

"The anti-social behaviour complained about was causing unnecessary stress and concern to local residents and was simply unacceptable.

"Wiltshire Police have a good working relationship with Wiltshire Council and I was able to speak with my colleagues and proactively address the issue.

"I am pleased to say that once I was in possession of the full information, I was able to work with our partner agencies and resolve the issue. Using the section 35 dispersal order power gave us the support to address the issues that have been reported and prevent them from happening again.”

Dispersal orders can be authorised by an inspector in areas where there is likely to be anti-social behaviour, crime or disorder. A police officer or police community support officer will then issue a direction to leave the area for a specified time in writing, or verbally.

Anyone who fails to comply with the direction of the dispersal order is committing an offence and could receive a prison sentence or fine.

Sergeant Louis McCoy added: “This is a positive piece of community police work alongside our partner agencies.

"I am aware that our local PCSO’s have also worked with the people who were causing the issues to address the causes and support them with their personal needs. This should hopefully assist them in any potential re-offending and also support them making positive decisions for themselves.

"Whilst we had the dispersal order in place, the engagement from our officers allowed them to understand the cause and effects of the behaviour of those involved and address the problem without resorting to any arrests.”

To report anti-social behaviour, call 101.