Guiseley crime: Police extend tougher powers in Leeds town plagued by anti social behaviour

West Yorkshire Police have been given boosted powers in Guiseley after reports of crime and anti-social behaviour in the area, including recent incidents involving knives, which has caused concern in the community.

The initial dispersal order, which gives police power to ban people from the Leeds town, was in place from 3pm on Wednesday to 3pm on Friday. Another 48-hour order has now been authorised, and the area it covers has been extended.

It follows "multiple reports" of anti-social behaviour in and around Guiseley and the surrounding areas, West Yorkshire Police said. This includes intimidating behaviour from large gangs of youths.

At about 9.30pm on Saturday (January 13), two teenagers were approached by a group of males on Kirk Lane, Yeadon, and threatened at knifepoint. Neither of the boys were hurt but a baseball cap was stolen from one of the victims.

Police also received a separate report about an incident on Bradford Road, Guiseley, on Monday afternoon (January 15). Two teenage girls reported seeing a male with a knife.

The force has released a map of the area covered by the new order, which now covers the whole of Nunroyd Park. It will remain in place until 2:59pm on Sunday.

Under this power, which falls under Section 34 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act, officers have the right to disperse and remove any person suspected of carrying out - or likely to carry out - anti-social behaviour.

They can also seize property and anyone under the age of 16 can be returned to their place of residence or place of safety.  

A police spokesperson said: "This power will be used to reduce the likelihood of the public in the locality being harassed, alarmed or distressed, and to prevent further crime and disorder.    

Anyone with information on those involved in these incidents is asked to contact the Leeds North West Neighbourhood Policing Team on 101, quoting log 1141 of 17/1, or go online via the Live Chat."