48-hour dispersal order issued for Rochdale town centre to tackle anti-social behaviour

Officers have implemented a 48-hour dispersal order across Rochdale Town Centre following recent incidents of anti-social behaviour.

This includes incidents yesterday where groups of young people were reported to be harassing staff and causing criminal damage at a business and in the centre.

 A section 34 dispersal order allows officers to exclude a person, or people, from an area for up to 48 hours through written notice.

The aim of the notice is to minimise behaviour contributing to, or likely to contribute to anti-social behaviour or crime or disorder in the area.

The defined area is as in the map above. It is in place from 11.30am today (2 April) until Saturday at 11.30am.

Inspector Meena Yasin, from GMP’s Rochdale district, said: “We have implemented this order to provide further powers for officers in the area to robustly deal with anti-social behaviour, and to protect people and businesses.

“We will not tolerate anti-social behaviour and where this is reported, we will look to take the strongest action – whether through proactive action or preventative problem-solving work.

“These powers are in place for the next 48-hours, and officers will be patrolling the town centre to ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable Bank Holiday weekend.”

Anyone with information about criminality or incidents of anti-social behaviour are asked to contact us via 101 or our Live Chat function on gmp.police.uk. Always call 999 in an emergency.

Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.