Leeds police get boosted powers in East Ardsley and Tingley following spike in anti social behaviour

A dispersal order is in place across Tingley and East Ardsley until 4am on Thursday morning. It means that anyone who is caught engaging in anti-social behaviour can be told to leave the area and not return for 48 hours.

West Yorkshire Police have released a map showing the area covered by the order, which includes large parts of both villages. If suspects are under the age of 16, police can return them to their home – even if it’s in within the boundary.

If officers find someone has returned to the area within 48 hours, they can be arrested and charged with a crime. Items believed to have been used while engaging in anti-social behaviour, such as bikes, scooters or e-scooters, can also be seized.

In a statement issued on Facebook, the Leeds South Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “Following an increase in anti social behaviour in the area, a dispersal order has been granted until 4am on Thursday morning.

"Any one person or groups found engaging in acts of anti social behaviour during this time, can be ordered to leave the area and not return for 48 hours (as shown on the map). If under the age of 16, this can involve being returned home. If found to be returning within that 48 hours, they can then be arrested and charged with a criminal offence.”

The order comes during Anti-Social Behaviour Awareness Week, which encourages communities to take a stand against ASB and highlight the actions that can be taken by those experiencing it. Organised by Resolve, the UK’s leading ASB and community safety organisation, the week features a series of events all across the UK involving councils, police forces, housing associations, charities, community groups and sports clubs.

West Yorkshire Police is holding a wide-range of events and activities across its five policing districts, including Leeds. These include visits to schools, drop-in sessions and ‘street surgeries’ for help and advice, increased patrols in town centres and areas of concern, speed checks and dealing with nuisance vehicles.