Bus station yobs targeted
by Hammersmith and Fulham Press Office
04/09/2008
Unruly teenagers and brawling youths are being targeted with an extended dispersal zone in Hammersmith Broadway.
The Hammersmith Broadway dispersal zone, which is now in place until 18 March 2009, allows police to banish troublemakers if they are causing or are likely to cause intimidation, harassment, alarm or distress. If they refuse to go they can be arrested.
The zone covers the Hammersmith Broadway Shopping Centre as well as the bus station and bus station extension.
Cllr Greg Smith, Hammersmith & Fulham (H&F) Council Cabinet Member for Crime & Anti-social Behaviour, says, “We are renewing this dispersal zone because it is working and we want to back the Police by giving them the extra powers they need.”
The joint action by H&F Council and the police follows the successful use of the powers over the past two years. For three months, between June - September 2007, the dispersal powers were not in place leading to a resurgence of problems in the area. The zone was quickly re-introduced to tackle the trouble-makers.
Cllr Smith continues: “The attitude of these louts towards other people is shameful. They have no qualms about squaring up to bus conductors, or even police officers, when they are confronted about their behaviour. This is why we are renewing these tough powers so the police can focus on tackling the problem head-on.”
There are now two active dispersal zones in the borough after the Uxbridge Road dispersal zone was introduced in August.
Cllr Smith concludes, “Actions speak louder than words and eventually, through tough zero tolerance measures like this, the anti-social minority will get the message.”
