Wed, 01 August 2012
A scheme to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour in Feltham is being extended after crime in the area fell by more than 20 per cent.
The dispersal zone currently covering the town centre was due to expire in August, but has now been extended until February.
In the last six months, the police recorded 441 offences in the area of the zone, compared to 553 in the previous six months. The same period also saw a fall in reports of anti-social behaviour from 220 to 175.
Cllr Ed Mayne, Hounslow’s cabinet member for community safety and regulatory services, said: "The zone has made a real difference to safety in the town, and the results speak for themselves.
"We’re happy to extend the zones operation to help the police keep the town safe."
Sgt. Treacy (sector sergeant) said: "“This is a very useful tool to tackle anti-social behaviour, and it has had a dramatic effect on in the town centre.
"The figures show that since it has been implemented that crime and antisocial behaviour have fallen."
The dispersal zone gives the police the power to:
Ask groups of two or more people committing anti-social behaviour, to move on;
Ask people who do not live in the area to leave and not return for 24 hours; and
Take home young people under the age of 16 between 9pm and 6am if they are loitering
Repeat offenders could get fines of up to £2,500 or up to three months imprisonment if convicted.