Extra powers for police with dispersal order
POLICE were given extra powers in one area of Merseyside following reports of weapons being carried.
Merseyside Police put a section 60 dispersal order in place in Maghull on the afternoon of February 29, to run until 4am, March 1.
Extra officers were to provide a visible presence to provide reassurance and prevent crime or serious violence.
The Section 60 Order covered Moorhey Road, A59 Northway, Dodds Lane, Moss Lane, Maghull North Railway station, Park Lane, School Lane and the M58 Motorway. The Order, under Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, gave officers enhanced stop and search powers to stop individuals in the areas and is designed to minimise serious violence.
Inspector Jordan Quinn said: “We’re introducing these Section 60 Orders to provide us with the powers needed to stop and search people in the area following recent serious violent crimes and reports of weapons being carried in Maghull.
“This Order is one of a number of measures being taken to disrupt those who are prepared to use any type of weapon in our communities.
“Extra officers will be in the areas covered by the orders to search any individuals or groups causing such issues, and to provide reassurance to law-abiding people who make up the overwhelming majority of people living there. We do not take this action to bother people going about their daily business or to prevent people from meeting with friends.
“Quite the opposite. We do it to reduce incidents like this so that people can feel able to go about their business free from the threat of becoming a victim or witness to this violence.
“Patrols have also been stepped up to reassure our residents so if you have any information on any offences in the area please speak with our officers.” You can pass any information of violence or antisocial behaviour in the areas in Maghull by calling 101, via social media desk @MerPolCC on Twitter or ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ on Facebook with reference number 24000213848.
You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Always call 999 if a crime is in progress.