Police gain extra powers to stop Halloween crimes

A dispersal order is in place in Spelthorne until midday on Saturday

A dispersal order has been put in place in a district of Surrey as police try to prevent crime and antisocial behaviour over Halloween.

Surrey Police said it was putting extra officers on patrol and the dispersal order meant it could tell people to leave a specific area for 48 hours, or face being arrested.

The force said it was aware a large party was being planned on public land which would likely cause disorder and risks to residents as it was not a licenced public event.

The order covers the entire borough of Spelthorne and is in place from 12:00 GMT on Thursday until 12:00 on Saturday.

Borough commander Matt Walton said: "We've put this order in place as over previous years, we've experienced a high level of anti-social behaviour and crime, which unfortunately takes the fun out of Halloween."

Officers have the powers to order anyone away from an area if the are committing or believed to intend to commit antisocial behaviour.

Anyone with information about any unlicensed event has been asked to contact police.