A dispersal order has been issued following a rise in anti-social behaviour in Redditch town centre.

Officers said the 48-hour notice is effective from 4pm today (Wednesday, November 8) to 4pm Friday (November 10).

It gives police the power to exclude members of the public who cause anti-social behaviour or are suspected of causing anti-social criminality in the local community. 

Redditch Advertiser: The order is aimed at tackling the recent rise in youth anti-social behaviour The order is aimed at tackling the recent rise in youth anti-social behaviour (Image: West Mercia Police)

Safer Neighbourhood Team Inspector for Redditch, Richard Field, said: “This order aims to prevent the actions of a small minority of youths who have caused anti-social behaviour from ruining it for the majority who just want to go about their normal business in peace.

“We will not tolerate this type of behaviour which has recently included cases of threatening and abusing innocent passers-by, and openly smoking drugs.

“The dispersal order provides police officers additional powers to exclude these people from the town centre if they choose to act in an inappropriate way.”

Inspector Field added that residents should not be alarmed by the increased police presence in the town centre as they are trying to help prevent any localised anti-social behaviour.

He added: “Approach the officers if you need to and they will happily assist in any way they can.”