Meriden police granted more powers to tackle ASB

 

POLICE have been granted additional powers to tackle problem youths at a known anti-social behaviour spot in Meriden.

Residents in and around Alspath Road have reported teens gathering to drink alcohol, intimidating passers-by, littering and playing loud music from vehicles.

Solihull Police has responded by successfully applying for a dispersal order which allows them to move on any groups (of two or more people) suspected of causing a nuisance and arrest anyone breaching the order’s terms.

It also allows officers to escort home any under-16s found in the restricted zone between the hours of 9pm and 6am.

Meriden Neighbourhood Police Team Sergeant Tony Hanlon, said: “We’re committed to tackling anti-social behaviour in Meriden and are working with the local community to gather evidence against those responsible.

 

Sergeant Tony Hanlon posting the ASB Dispersal Order

near the community centre in Meriden.



“By working closely with residents and businesses we’ve managed to successfully apply for a dispersal order that gives us the power to disperse groups responsible for anti-social behaviour.”

The dispersal order – which runs until at least November 12 – covers all areas falling within the B4104 Main Rd, Leys Lane and B4102 Fillongley Road 'triangle'.

And it comes shortly after Solihull Police secured a two-year Criminal Anti-Social Behaviour Order (CRASBO) against a known troublemaker in the area.

Michael Neary, of Fillongley Rd, Meriden, was handed the CRASBO by Magistrates last month



Photo of Michael Neary who is subject of the ban



It bans the 18-year-old from entering Alspath Road (from number 30 to Arden Close), the local Co-Op store, community centre, The Croft and the passageway which leads to Highfield.

In addition, the Meriden Neighbourhood Policing Team continues to work closely with Solihull Council and Solihull Community Housing to help improve the area and provide activities for local children and teenagers.

For a week in August (22nd-26th) officers alongside the council’s Neighbourhood Sports Team laid on free sports sessions, including basketball, football and cricket, for eight- to 14-year-olds in Balsall Common’s Willow Park.

Residents are urged to report anti-social behaviour and if they see Michael Neary within his CRASBO restricted zone to contact Solihull Police on 0345 113 5000.