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Police impose dispersal orders on Sawbridgeworth and Hertford town centres for Hallowe’en

12:28, 29 October 2024

updated: 09:55, 30 October 2024

Dispersal orders will be in place in Sawbridgeworth and Hertford town centres for Hallowe’en as police crack down on anti-social behaviour.

The section 35 orders will be in effect from 4pm Thursday (October 31) until 4am Friday (November 1) to help protect members of the public by deterring those who use Hallowe’en as an excuse to commit crime and disorder.

The orders give police officers the power to direct anyone to leave specified areas in both towns immediately. Failure to do so is a criminal offence and could result in an arrest. Anyone aged under 16 can be taken home to parents or guardians. Extra officers will be on duty carrying out proactive patrols.

The red line denotes the area of Sawbridgeworth that forms the dispersal order zone for 12 hours on Hallowe’en
The red line denotes the area of Sawbridgeworth that forms the dispersal order zone for 12 hours on Hallowe’en

Insp Mark Collins, who heads the East Herts Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “In previous years we’ve received an increased number of calls on Hallowe’en regarding anti-social behaviour and crime involving young people.

“In addition, officers have had fireworks thrown at them and been injured as they attempted to seize fireworks from people aged under 18.

“This kind of behaviour is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated – either towards members of the public or to our officers who are simply out doing their job.

Police have issued a dispersal order for Hertford town centre and its immediate surrounding area
Police have issued a dispersal order for Hertford town centre and its immediate surrounding area

“The orders are being put in place to help protect members of the public from the small minority who use Hallowe’en as an excuse to commit crime and disorder.”

Last Friday, Insp Collins issued a half-term warning to children not to get involved in anti-social behaviour (ASB) over Hallowe’en and Fireworks Night that could lead to injury and possible criminal action.

Uniformed and plain-clothes officers will increase patrols, take a “robust approach” to youngsters involved in ASB and “use all legislation” to ensure the public’s safety.

He urged parents and guardians to make sure they know what their children are up to – and he wants people who hear of any planned activity to report it.

Advice and information are available on the Herts police website for both Hallowe’en and Bonfire Night.

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