OFFICERS locally have been given more powers to help reassure the public amid ongoing national violent disorder following speculation about planned protests, including a dispersal order for Warrington town centre and surrounding areas.
While there have been no incidents of violent disorder in Cheshire, to reassure the public additional powers have been granted temporarily, with a police presence on Orford Lane, to provide reassurance. There have been some issues involving local youths and some local traders have boarded up their premises on Orford Lane.
It follows speculation about possible planned protests across the country, including in Crewe, Widnes and Warrington.
From 4pm today, Wednesday 7 August, dispersal orders have been put in place in the three towns. The orders will allow officers to ban anyone from the areas for up to 48 hours to prevent disorder.
They have been imposed under Section 34 of the Antisocial Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.
In addition, officers in the three towns have also been given additional stop and search powers under Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act (1994).
The orders means that officers can stop and search any person or vehicle they believe may be carrying weapons or causing serious violence in a particular area, whether or not they have any grounds of suspicion.
Chief Superintendent Jon Betts said: “I would like to assure the public that this is just one of the ways we are utilising the powers available to us to prevent any potential disorder.
“Along with the order you will see an increased police presence – this has all been put in place to reassure the community.”
The additional powers remain in place until at least 3.00am on Thursday 8 August, and apply to all areas highlighted on the maps.
Chief Superintendent Betts added:“We are aware of speculation surrounding possible planned protests across the country, and the rumours circulating in our communities regarding potential incidents in Cheshire, and I want to reassure residents that we are fully prepared to deal with anyone intent on causing disorder in our communities.
“Violent disorder will not be tolerated in Cheshire and we’re working closely with our partners to ensure the safety of our residents.
“We have extensive resources in place to ensure that robust action can be taken against anyone who breaks the law.
“We will also use all the resources available to us, including facial recognition and ANPR, to ensure that anyone who commits an offence is held accountable for their actions.
“I would also urge residents not to share any of the malicious or inaccurate information which has been posted on social media platforms. These messages have been posted in order to cause fear, hate and disorder in our communities.
“We have already arrested and charged a number of people in relation to these messages, and anyone else who is found to be encouraging such offences, be that online or in person, will also be dealt with.”
The area covered by the dispersal order
Warrington Police have posted this update, following speculation about potential disorder today.
Please ensure you get information from accurate sources including @CheshirePolice, who I am grateful to for their continued work to keep us safe and their engagement on this issue. pic.twitter.com/8vyqgGODrS
— Charlotte Nichols MP (@charlotte2153) August 7, 2024
1 Comment
Here is you totalitarian state. You have no say if you are in the red area. Police don’t have to prove anything you can be just going home and you can be searched without any grounds for a search and the police can ban anyone from the areas for up to 48 hours with no reason why even if you live in the area.