Dispersal order for Derby city centre to help target street drinking

The Section 34 notice began just after 2.15pm today (Tuesday 30 April) and will last until 2.15pm on Thursday 2 May and covers the area pictured on the map.

It means local officers the power to ask a group of two or more people to leave the dispersal area if they are committing anti-social behaviour, or if we believe they may, or are likely to, cause a nuisance to someone else.

The decision to introduce the order follows a recent increased concern and reports of street drinking and begging in the area.

Anybody committing an offence who refuses this order can be arrested and fined up to £2,500 and/or receive a three-month prison sentence.

Inspector Rachel Fowkes, the lead for Derby North Local Policing Unit, said: “The dispersal order has been brought in to help us address concerns around the behaviour of a small group of individuals involved in begging and street drinking. It allows us to move these people on and so reduce anti-social behaviour in this part of the city.

“We give careful consideration when introducing these orders to ensure they are absolutely necessary, and they are used to help us ease community concerns and take action on those intent on disrupting the public and local businesses.

“Issues like this are not unique to Derby, and are faced by other cities, but we are working alongside local authority partners to help make our city a safer and more pleasant place for people to live, work and visit.”

If you are concerned about anti-social behaviour, or to report a crime, please contact us on the details below:

• Website – We have crime reporting tools on our website: use our online contact form
• Facebook – send us a private message to the Derbyshire Constabulary Facebook page
• X (Twitter) – direct message our contact centre via @DerPolContact
• Phone – call us on 101 
• If a crime is in progress, or life is in immediate danger, the number to call is always 999.

You can also anonymously contact the independent charity CrimeStoppers, on 0800 555 111, or by visiting the CrimeStoppers website.