Dispersal orders used by police in Surrey towns
BBCPolice have used weekend dispersal orders in two Surrey towns, after complaints of anti-social behaviour by large groups of young people.
The orders have been used in Camberley for the past three weekends and Staines last weekend.
Dispersal orders give police the power to ask a group of two or more people to leave a specific location for up to 48 hours.
The borough commander for the area said further orders would be used if it was decided necessary.
One trader told BBC Radio Surrey: "Some kids come in and cause havoc, vaping everywhere, standing on tables, sometimes in groups of 20. Some we ask to leave and they refuse."
Another said youngsters had been throwing objects off the top of a car park.
"We've had paint thrown, eggs thrown.
"One of my staff asked them to move away, but you have to think of your own safety."
People in Staines described the groups of up to 50 as "intimidating" and said "they swamp the town".
Insp Matt Walton, borough commander for Spelthorne, said" We've seen kids running into shops, setting off fire alarms, taking fire extinguishers.
"There is some shoplifting, bad language, large groups, it can be intimidating."
He said use of the orders would be under review.
"I will look at what we've had in relation to reports. If we need to put a dispersal order in, I will," he added.
Surrey Heath Borough Council said: "Working closely with our partners, including the police and housing associations, our aims in tackling anti-social behaviour are safeguarding, minimising risk and reducing the negative effect on individuals and the community.
"We aim to take decisive action against severe and persistent cases, and encourage residents to report any incidents."
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