Police Granted New Powers to Fight Crime in Pitshanger

Dispersal Order to prevent anti social behaviour

Police have been given new powers to help deal with an increase in crime and anti social behavior (ASB) in the Pitshanger area.

A Dispersal Order (DO) will come into force Monday 3 August covering the area within Cleveland Road, Castlebar Hill, Mount Avenue, Woodford Road, Denison Road also stretching to the course of the river and the walkways at the northern boundary of Pitshanger Park to Argyle Road.

Officers have the authority to;

Tell people in the group to leave the area (either immediately or at stated time and in a stated way).

Tell people who don’t live in the area to leave (either immediately or at stated time and in a stated way)

Tell people who don’t live in the area not to return to the area or any part of it for such period (not exceeding 24 hours) from when the direction was given, as he / she may specify.  

If under 16 you are not allowed to be here between the hours of 9 pm and 6 am unless you are under the effective control of a parent or responsible person over the age of 18.

You may be removed to your home or place of safety if more appropriate.

To remain or return to this area having been told to leave is an offence punishable by 3 months imprisonment and / or a fine not exceeding £2500.

The Cleveland Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) say problems became more noticeable in May when there were two assaults. Other anti-social incidents have been ongoing which have involved a core group of around six youths, but numbers have now grown to around 20 – many coming from other parts of Ealing.

Officers are dealing with an increase in shoplifting, abusive behaviour, graffiti, underage drinking and cannabis smoking – often in the alley behind the shops accessed from Curzon Road.

There are currently six Dispersal Orders in operation in the borough including one in Ealing Broadway.

Police say this tactic has proved successful in other areas as it doesn’t rely on specific offences, only that ASB is deemed to have been committed. The DO would last for six months.

Writing to the Pitshanger Community Association Sgt Steve Driscoll says: '' I would like to reassure local residents that this sort of behaviour will not be tolerated and will be robustly dealt with, using the maximum powers we have. I have heard stories of people not wanting to walk in the lane in the evening, children being taken to activities in cars rather being allowed to walk, shop staff being the subject of threatening and abusive behaviour and other reports of harassment. Myself and my team will do all we can to ensure that this stops.’’

July 30, 2009