Police order targets youths in Enfield Town Centre (From Enfield Independent)

Police dispersal order targets youths in Enfield Town Centre and Enfield Town Park

3:30pm Thursday 9th August 2012 in News By Hermione Wright

A dispersal order to tackle troublesome youths has been introduced in Enfield Town Centre.

The order, which was introduced on Friday and will last until February 3 next year, means police have new powers to order anyone – so long as they are groups of two or more, to leave Enfield Town Centre or Enfield Town Park and not return for 24 hours.

If a person breaks the ban, they can be arrested.

Enfield Council's cabinet member for community wellbeing and public health, Councillor Christine Hamilton, said: "We are not going to tolerate anti-social behaviour in our town centres and we'll do everything we can to protect families form harassment and crime.

"This dispersal order sends a clear message that we will not tolerate unacceptable behaviour in this borough and we will work to protect businesses in our town centres from crime and disorder.

The order, which has been introduced by Enfield Council and the Metropolitan Police, will be reviewed once a fortnight to ensure it remains necessary and effective.

Cllr Hamilton added: "We're not discouraging young people from visiting these areas and if they behave they'll have nothing to worry about.

“We want to ensure Enfield is a safe place to visit and shop and encourage more people to visit the area."