Dispersal order for town after 24-hour crime spree
BBCA dispersal order is in place in Leamington town centre after police received multiple reports of children stealing from shops and throwing objects in the street.
The order gives additional powers to officers who can order people to leave the area if they either cause or are likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress.
It came into force in Leamington town centre at 17:30 GMT on Tuesday and will be lifted at 17:29 GMT on Thursday, police said.
Officers will be carrying out high-visibility patrols and the action has been taken to "prevent further disorder".
Anyone who refuses to comply with officers' requests to leave the area can be arrested.
"Parents of Leamington Spa and the wider area, do you know where your children are today?" officers asked on their Facebook page on Tuesday.
It said there have been numerous reports of thefts from local shops in The Parade, objects being thrown in the street and anti-social behaviour affecting businesses and members of the public over the previous 24 hours.
"We are working closely with local businesses and partners to ensure the town centre remains a safe and welcoming place for everyone," police said.
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