Police issue town bans after seizing booze and drugs
POLICE have issued three dispersal orders and seized drugs and alcohol as antisocial behaviour blights Macclesfield and surrounding areas.
An order was in force for the town centre from 1pm on Thursday, July 22, for 48 hours.
This meant officers could tell groups of two or more people to leave the area if it was believed they had - or were likely to - do something wrong.
It is then an offence for anyone instructed to leave to return within 48 hours.
The area covered was that largely between Hibel Road, the Silk Road, Churchill Way, Park Street and Sunderland Street - the same as a similar dispersal order made for Tuesday, July 20, and Wednesday.
It is believed the spike in anti-social behaviour that prompted the orders has happened at locations including Sparrow Park and St Michael’s churchyard.
Inspector Gareth Beasley said: “We have been given no other option but to impose another dispersal order following further reports of anti-social behaviour (ASB) in Macclesfield town centre.
“This order gives us further powers to deal with ASB in the area and residents will see a visible policing presence as we will be stepping up patrols to assist in enforcing the order.
“I again would urge residents who have experienced ASB to report this to us by calling 101 or reporting it via our website so that we can investigate further.”
A third 48-hour dispersal order was brought in by officers at Poynton following more anti-social behaviour there.
This included a large group of youths causing damage to vehicles, signs and plants.
As part of this, stop and searches were carried out in the Tip Hill area, with cannabis, nitrous oxide and alcohol confiscated.
There has also been trouble in other areas of
Macclesfield, although no further orders were made.
Patrols have been increased at reservoirs in more rural areas, particularly Sutton Reservoir, following reports of drug use, criminal damage and rowdy behaviour.
There have also been cases of people ignoring the danger signs and swimming in the water.
Police in Bollington and Tytherington have reported nuisance behaviour in public open spaces.
And police have identified five youngsters responsible for climbing on the roof and causing damage to tiles at Spire Regency Hospital, on West Street, Macclesfield.
CCTV of the incidents - said to total 11 - was looked at, and the five youngsters received home visits for their parents to be spoken to.
A Cheshire Police spokesman said: “Here is a simple lesson to all youths who decide to commit ASB and criminal damage in our community. You will be caught, and there will be consequences.”