Decrease in ASB on first night of Operation Banger

Decrease in ASB on first night of Operation Banger

Merseyside Police has today, Friday 31 October, confirmed a decrease of 20% in reports of anti-social behaviour (ASB) on the night of 30 October compared to last year.

Operation Banger is Merseyside Police's response to the Halloween and Bonfire Night period. As part of the pre-planned activity, 20 dispersal zones were issued across the region including in Knowsley.

Chief Inspector Kevin Chatterton, operational lead for this period, said: "Dispersal zones have played a key role in the strategy for this year's planning for the days around Halloween and Bonfire Night, and while this is just the very start of this period, we believe they are working effectively.

"Anti-social behaviour, which blights what should be a special time for families and communities, will not be tolerated.

"Dispersal zones are an incredibly important policing tool that we use to disrupt and prevent antisocial behaviour. In an area with a dispersal zone, patrolling officers can instruct anyone they believe might be looking to cause anti-social behaviour to leave immediately, and if they refuse or return, to arrest them.

"We've had very positive feedback from the public around the number of dispersal zones we've issued this year but - understandably - if their area isn't subject to a dispersal zone then people want to know why. It's frustrating for people if something has happened near them but their area isn't covered by one.

"Dispersal zones are always data-led. They're designated by Local Policing Inspectors based on the volume of reports of antisocial behaviour or criminal damage we receive. That's why, if anyone is experiencing ASB in their area, reporting it to us matters so much.

"There can sometimes be a tendency for people to think we'll view incidents as low-level or minor, or that we'll be too busy. But if it's not minor to you, it's not minor to us. And your reports are going to help us see the most accurate picture possible of where incidents are happening - which is how Inspectors will designate those dispersal zones in future. Your report really does make a difference.

"While we sometimes get the feedback that every area should be a dispersal zone on key nights, we want to leave ourselves with a good amount of flexible, reactive capacity to send officers wherever they're needed. We have to have a balance between committing officers to patrolling areas the data shows us are most at risk of anti-social behaviour, and also being able to keep officers responding in real time to emergencies.

"I'd like to reassure anyone living in an area where a dispersal zone: these are put in place to benefit the community and enable everyone to have a safe, enjoyable time.

"I'm grateful to the public for all their support. We'll continue on as we have been tonight and in the coming days."

Merseyside Police is asking anyone who is experiencing non-emergency antisocial behaviour to report it to the force contact centre via the dedicated Facebook or X page @MerpolCC, via the Merseyside Police website, or by calling 101.