Weekend-long dispersal order issued for village

A weekend-long dispersal order has been issued for Thames Ditton, says Surrey Police.

The measure came into force at 18:00 BST on Friday and will last until 18:00 on Sunday.

Elmbridge Borough Cdr Insp Chris Thoday said it was a response to "previous concerns about anti-social behaviour, which we know is exacerbated by the hot weather".

He added: "Additional patrols will take place in the area while the dispersal order is active."

Thoday said the order was "intended to ensure the safety of local residents and visitors" to the village, which is situated on the River Thames in Elmbridge.

It gives officers the power to order a group of two or more people to leave an area if they are committing, or are likely to commit, a criminal offence, he said

However, he says he wants to "reassure residents and visitors that there is no need to avoid spending time by the river or enjoying the warm weather - the order is to ensure people feel safe here over the weekend".

Anyone who witnesses or experiences any anti-social or criminal behaviour is urged to contact the force as soon as possible, Thoday said.

Dispersal orders were also put in place across Elmbridge last month - at Cobham Services on the M25, Brooklands Industrial Estate in Weybridge, and Waterside Drive in Walton-on-Thames - due to two planned car meets in the area.

Thoday said the orders were "not intended to spoil the fun of car enthusiasts, but simply to minimise the impact of anti-social driving".

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