Eastbourne: Police Issue Dispersal Order Over Weekend

Monday, 1 November 2021 06:38

By Jade McLean

Police in Eastbourne issued a dispersal order over the weekend (Oct 29-31) in order to help tackle a rise in assaults and public order incidents.

It gives officers and PCSOs the power to ask a person who has committed, or is likely to commit, anti-social behaviour, crime or disorder to leave a specified area and not return for a period of up to 48 hours.

Officers say the rise is linked to the nighttime economy with revellers attending pubs and clubs in the town on Friday and Saturday nights.

They're asking people to speak to them if they have any concerns and say they'll be patrolling specific areas to identify and deter criminal or anti-social behaviour.

Chief Inspector Di Lewis, district commander for Eastbourne, said:

“We are continuing to see an unacceptable level of crime and disorder in our town centre during the weekends and night-time economy.

“This is causing tension and distress among our community, and is having a detrimental impact on businesses and staff working during the night-time economy.

“We are using the policing powers available to us to tackle this issue, including putting a dispersal order in place. This will set the tone early and ensure anyone intent on causing trouble is identified quickly and directed to leave the area.”

Ch Insp Lewis added:

“We fully understand the worry around the current increase in spiking reports, not just in Sussex but across the country.

“We take these reports incredibly seriously and we are working closely with our licensed premises on measures to keep people safe from this type of crime.

“Everybody should be able to enjoy a night out safely and without fear of harm, and we are committed to making this happen.”

Anyone wishing to report crime or anti-social behaviour can do so online or by calling 101. Always dial 999 in an emergency.