Town centre dispersal order put in place by police
A Dispersal Order has been authorised in Ossett town centre.
At 4pm today, Friday, October 23 the order became active and was put in place by the Ossett Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) after recent anti-social behaviour concerns in the town. It runs until 4pm on Sunday, October 25 and means police officers and designated PCSOs have powers to exclude a person from an area for that entire period.
The area the dispersal order covers is the town’s precinct, bus station, Co-op and Church Street Park/Skate Park.
Inspector Andrew Dickinson of the Wakefield West Neighbourhood Policing Team said: "We understand the concerns of local residents and traders about anti-social behaviour in the town centre following recent incidents. "That's why we have introduced this power in for a short period of time. It enables us to ensure that Ossett town centre remains a safe and welcoming place for everyone."
Two assaults in Ossett believed to be racially motivated Section 35 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 means that individuals aged 10 or over engaging in anti-social behaviour or crime and disorder can be asked to leave the designated area not only when an incident has happened, but also when it is felt that it is likely to happen. Additionally, it means that a child aged under 16 can be removed to their home address or a place of safety. Failure to comply is a criminal offence and can result in imprisonment and/or a fine.