The Safer Croydon Partnership is launching its third dispersal order in two weeks, with New Addington’s Central Parade the latest in the south London council effort to prevent antisocial behaviour.
The order starts on August 10 and runs until 9 February 2012 and follows hot on the heels of two other orders in Upper Norwood and South Norwood, launched two weeks before, and Croydon town centre launched the week before.<br><br>These include the refurbishment of the play area at Hares Bank for the under 10s, which has been delayed until September because of antisocial behaviour.<br><br>In the meantime, the police, ward councillors and partners have met with the local community to explain what is proposed for the play area and asked them to get involved with a local "Friends of Hares Bank" group. They have also explained what actions have been taken to deal with the antisocial behaviour and leafleted local residents to encourage them to report their problems. <br><br>New Addington could also benefit from a new gym/boxing facility, with local business being asked their views on a planning application for a new sport’s facility at Addington Business Centre.<br><br>Dispersal orders give the police extra powers in particular areas, and helps stop individuals and groups from causing a disturbance. Those acting lawfully will not be affected.<br><br>The orders apply to all ages, with the police permitted to return those under-16 back to their homes if they are likely to be a victim, or acting antisocially.<br><br>Cabinet member for community safety, councillor Simon Hoar said: "Dispersal orders help to stop a small minority spoiling fantastic community initiatives that benefit so many people in the borough.<br><br>"The partnership is delighted that the community is behind the Hares Bank plans and will work hard to see that antisocial behaviour does not blight them."<br><br>Sergeant Paul Potter, from New Addington Safer Neighbourhoods team said: "We’ve seen some success with previous dispersal zones in this area, but we are determined to ensure that those causing antisocial behaviour understand that their behaviour is not acceptable and will not be tolerated.<br><br>"As well as the dispersal zone, we’re also looking at other measures like acceptable behaviour agreements and Asbos to put an end to this.<br><br>"Local residents should not have to put up with this sort of antisocial behaviour and they should rest assured we’re working with local partners and doing all we can to make those responsible aware of the impact of their actions, and if they continue then we’ll look to take more serious action."
Meanwhile in north east London, a teenage gang member who breached one of the UK’s first Gang Injunctions has been given a suspended prison sentence a day before his birthday after he broke its terms.
Dylan Martin, 19, from Edmonton was subject to the Injunctions brought by Enfield Council and the Metropolitan Police on May 5, 2011, but West London County Court heard on July 28, 2011 that he had breached the order seven times in four months, mainly for congregating with known gang members and intimidating residents. He also entered an area from which he was banned in Edmonton.
Martin was found guilty of all seven breaches and sentenced to two months imprisonment for each breach (a total of 14 months). The sentence was suspended for two years.
The Judge warned Martin that if he breaches of any part of the injunction in the next two years he will serve the 14 month custodial sentence.
Dylan Martin was linked to numerous gangs. The original Order also barred him from inciting violence on the internet, wearing gang colours and being in possession of offensive weapons.
Cllr Christine Hamilton, Cabinet Member for Community Safety for Enfield Council said "Enfield is a safe place to live and work but we know, as is the case in many parts of London, that there are some problems with gangs here.
"We are working hard to deal with those issues and make our borough even safer by tackling gang violence and making sure our residents feel safe and protected.
"We will not tolerate violent behaviour, and the Gang Injunction is just one method Enfield Council uses to disrupt gang activity and tackle the crime and disorder they cause on our streets.
"Dylan Martin is now in the last chance saloon. If he steps out of line again he will be in jail. Our residents have the right to live without fear of intimidation and violence and I’d urge judges to hand out tougher sentences in future to any gang related offence taking place in our borough."
Ch Supt Dave Tucker, Borough Commander said "We will not tolerate gangs in Enfield, and we will continue to use all avenues available to us to challenge the behaviour of gang members. A Gang Injunction is just one of many tactics we have used."
