Basingstoke’s town inspector has issued a dispersal order for two areas this weekend following reports of anti-social behaviour at recent unauthorised car meets.
The order is in place between 6pm on Saturday, July 13, and 2am on Monday, July 15.
The dispersal order, authorised under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act, enables police to deal with any issues of anti-social behaviour in the directed area more effectively.
Officers will have additional powers to order a person to leave the area with no return within the specified time period.
READ MORE: Police presence at car meet after reports of dangerous driving and excessive noise
Those who refuse to comply with the order will be committing a criminal offence and are liable for arrest.
It comes after officers received reports that a large group of drivers gathered at the Asda store in Brighton Hill on Sunday, July 7.
Officers attended the scene following reports of dangerous driving, anti-social behaviour and excessive noise. The group quickly moved on.
Inspector Charlie Ilderton said: “We are aware that there have been large gatherings of drivers meeting in the Basingstoke area recently.
“Clearly not all members of the car community will engage in anti-social behaviour at these meets. However, we have had reports of dangerous driving, excessive noise and anti-social behaviour, all of which have caused alarm and distress to local residents.
“Our message is clear – anti-social behaviour and anti-social use of vehicles will not be tolerated in Basingstoke.
“We ask all drivers to act responsibly and drive safely. Illegal and anti-social behaviour will not go unchallenged, and action can include seizing vehicles, penalty notices, notifying insurance companies, dispersal notices or arrest and prosecution where necessary.
“We would like to reassure our communities that we continue to proactively monitor information and intelligence, work closely with partners and landowners and would remind organisers of events must seek permission of the landowner and district councils.
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“Our operation is not aimed at people meeting in their cars peacefully, simply those disrupting local communities and acting in an anti-social manner.
“The area covered in the operation is a large part of Basingstoke and we can quickly authorise the order in other areas if required. We will have extra officers on duty to support the operation this weekend.
“If you have any concerns or information on any criminal activity taking place, please contact us on 101 or dial 999 if it is an emergency.”
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