Dispersal order issued for Redditch town centre

Unicorn Hill is one of the roads covered by the order

A dispersal order has been issued for a town centre after an increase in anti-social behaviour, police have said.

The measure was introduced in areas of Redditch due to youths openly smoking drugs and verbally abusing passers-by, according to the West Mercia force.

Kingfisher Shopping Centre, Unicorn Hill and Church Green West are among the areas covered by the order.

It came into effect at 16:00 GMT on Wednesday and ends at 16:00 GMT on Friday.

It provides officers with powers to exclude people from the town centre if they act inappropriately.

Insp Richard Field said people should not be alarmed if they saw more officers within the town.

"Please approach the officers if you need to and they will happily assist in any way they can," he said.

The area covered by the order

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