A SPATE of anti-social behaviour by youths in the town centre has prompted police to implement a dispersal order in the area.
It follows complaints from residents and local businesses about unruly behaviour on Other Road, Archer Road and Church Green.
It included youths being drunk and abusive, writing graffiti, swearing, throwing rubbish, smoking drugs and more recently ripping out two benches and a bin on Church Green on Saturday (July 19).
The benches are worth £1,000 each and were all sponsored by community groups, individuals and businesses in the borough.
There were a total of ten reports between January and May this year, but in June and July reports increased to 35.
The Section 30 order was granted by Supt Kevin Purcell after liaising with Redditch Borough Council.
It will begin at 6pm this evening (Friday) and will last until September 25, giving police officers and PCSOs the power to move on a group of two or more people if their presence has or is likely to cause alarm, distress or intimidation.
Between 9pm and 6am anyone believed to be under 16 and not with a parent or responsible adult can be taken by officers back to their home.
It is an offence to fail to comply and the offender can be arrested without a warrant.
PC Richard Field said: “We have been working hard to engage with young people gathering in these areas, however their recent behaviour is not acceptable.
“We firmly believe that people living and working in these areas should be able to live and work peacefully, without feeling fearful or intimidated.”
Bill Hartnett, leader of Redditch Borough Council, said: “It is really disappointing people have displayed such anti-social behaviour in the Church Green area and it is something that our community safety team will be looking to work with the police on to prevent it happening in the future.
“In the short term, our officers have been out and managed to clear up most of the mess left at the site.
“It is hoped the benches and bin which have been vandalised will be reinstalled as soon as possible.”
