Yobs get their marching orders to quit Arnold Circus
A ‘get tough’ dispersal zone has come into force to tackle street crime and yob behaviour in a notorious patch of London’s East End.
The ‘zero tolerance’ zone around Arnold Circus behind Shoreditch Church, where Club Row meets Calvert Avenue, began yesterday (Monday) and is in force until the end of August.
It was set up after complaints from the public and families on Bethnal Green’s Boundary Estate about harassment, intimidation, noise and anti-social behaviour by gangs of youths roaming the streets.
“Anti-social behaviour and intimidation won’t be tolerated,” said Pol Sgt Steve Mangham. “Offenders will be dealt with robustly.
“The Dispersal Zone means we can tackle anti-social behaviour which has been affecting the Boundary Estate. There will be extra police patrols and more CCTV to catch offenders.”
A three-month Dispersal Order was sought from Tower Hamlets Council after evidence from the residents.
It gives constables and support officers power to make groups of two or more leave the area immediately and not return for a specified time, usually 24 hours. Youngsters under 16 can also be removed physically between 9pm and 6am and returned to their homes.
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Youths refusing to move on would be committing an offence under the 2003 Anti Social Behaviour Act, which could mean three months’ prison and a fine up to �2,500.
