Officers out in force to keep people safe this festive season

A dispersal order will be in place across Chester city centre again this weekend as part of ongoing efforts to keep people safe this festive period.

You may see an increase in officers in the city to coincide with the increase in visitors in the run up to Christmas.

To support this, a dispersal order will be in place from 4pm today (Friday 15 December), until 3.59pm on Sunday 17 December.

The dispersal order will allow officers to ban anyone from the area for up to 48 hours to prevent disorder.

It has been imposed under Section 34 of the Antisocial Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, making it an offence for anyone to return to a specific area for up to 48 hours.

The area covered by the order is highlighted in the map attached. The map is also provided to anyone issued with a direction to leave.

Inspector James Wilson said:

“The Christmas season always draws people to the city, and we want everyone to enjoy their time here.

“These orders are additional tactical options that allow us to deal with anti-social behaviour head on.

“A number of officers will be out in key areas patrolling around the city and anyone with any concerns should speak to an officer."

Anyone with information about anti-social behaviour in their area is urged to contact Cheshire Police via the Cheshire Police website or call 101.

Pictured - Dispersal order map - Chester city centre.