Police slap Dispersal Order on city centre due to anti-social behaviour

Police have put a Dispersal Order in place for Bath city centre following anti-social behaviour by youths last night.

The area covered by the Dispersal Order | Image © Avon & Somerset Police

Bath & North East Somerset Neighbourhood Policing team said tonight, Friday 31st July: “A Dispersal Order was put in place for Bath city centre yesterday evening and will run until 2000hrs tomorrow (01/08/26).

“This power allows police constables and police community support officers to direct any person in this area to leave and not return if they reasonably suspect they have contributed, or are likely to contribute to:

• Members of the public being harassed, alarmed or distressed
• The occurrence of crime and disorder in that area.

“This follows several incidents last night involving young people causing anti-social behaviour and committing low-level criminal offences. The boys in question were issued Dispersal Notices and taken home by officers.

“Incidents like these take precious time away from officers who could otherwise be attending other jobs, or completing important duties such as progressing investigations, proactive patrols and searching for wanted suspects.

“We urge parents to speak to their children about how their behaviour in town can affect others, and the consequences of crossing the line from ‘just messing around’ into genuine anti-social behaviour and crime.”