They thought they were above the law.
But when three Hindley youths decided to ignore the police officer’s request to move on from an area renowned for high levels of anti-social behaviour, they learnt a valuable lesson: it pays to listen.
Because their refusal to leave Borsdane precinct saw them breach a Section 30 Dispersal Zone, a measure introduced in September last year specifically to tackle anti-social behaviour in this notorious blackspot.
And now the three youths, who cannot be named for legal reasons, have been ordered to clean up their act – and the precinct too.
“The three youths were recently prosecuted for breaching the order," explains Inspector Anne Scott of Hindley Neighbourhood Policing Team. “Two of the youths were ordered to carry out some restorative justice and have been cleaning up the precinct under the supervision of Wigan Council’s youth services. As neither had any previous convictions, this was felt to be the most appropriate way of dealing with them.
“The third was summonsed to court for a Section 4 Public Order offence and breach of the Section 30. He pleaded guilty and received a 3 Month Referral order to the youth offending team as well as a £35 fine.”
Cllr Kevin Anderson, cabinet champion for safer communities and the environment, says:
"The introduction of Section 30s in hotspots across the borough is part of a proactive multi-agency campaign aimed at reducing the affect of anti-social behaviour in our communities.
"Partner agencies have listened to the concerns expressed by local residents and businesses who are calling for action to tackle the harrassment, distress and annoyance caused by rowdy groups.
"Clearly the response from community members in Borsdane demostrates that the Section 30 is already having a positive affect. These measures, and others such as the Designated Public Place Order (DPPO) which is designed to tackle alcohol-related disorder, will help make our neighbourhoods safer and happier places to live."
The measure, rolled out in response to a spate of public order offences around the precinct, has now been heralded a success by local residents, businesses and community groups.
Inspector Scott continues:
"We were determined to get to grips with the issues of anti-social behaviour here, and having implemented the Section 30 measure we have had some very positive feedback from the public. The way we dealt with the recent breaches of the order shows how committed we are to tackling this, and I want to reassure the Borsdane community that we will continue to take robust action against those who disregard the law.”
The Borsdane Dispersal Zone is part of an ongoing boroughwide strategy aimed at dealing robustly with the perpetrators of anti-social behaviour and criminal disorder.
The Section 30 gives additional powers to police officers and PCSOs, enabling them to tell people to leave the area either immediately or by a deadline; they can also tell people who don’t live in the area to leave and not to return for up to 24 hours.
To report non-emergency incidents or to report a crime call 101.
To report incidents of anti-social behaviour in the area, contact Wigan Council’s ASB helpline: 01942 404364.
