Ipswich dispersal order hailed a success
- Published
A dispersal order aimed at tackling anti-social behaviour in part of Ipswich has been successful, police believe.
Suffolk Police issued the order for the Whitehouse area on 30 October.
It gives officers powers to issue groups of two or more offenders with a warning to leave the area for 24-hours.
Incidents of crime and anti-social behaviour in June, July and August fell by half compared to the same period of 2009.
The designated area, which includes Ulster Avenue shops, was identified as an area where particular groups of youths frequently caused disorder.
Under the dispersal order, officers also have the power to take young people under the age of 16 home, or to a place of safety, between 2100 BST and 0600 BST if they are not under the control of an adult.
Insp Richard Lane, of Suffolk Police, said: "It has been encouraging to see the behaviour of the young people change for the better in the area."