Police have secured new powers to help them banish suspected troublemakers from Croydon town centre and New Addington.

Officers will be able to force groups linked to persistent anti-social behaviour away from the areas after dispersal orders were issued by the Safer Croydon Partnership.

The orders came into in effect this week and will last until October 25.

The town-centre order includes Bedford Park, Bedford Place, east across the railway line into Cherry Orchard Road, Addiscombe Road, Fairfield Road, Park Lane, St Peter’s Road, Aberdeen Road, Southbridge Road, under the flyover, Church Road, Cairo New Road, Ruskin Road, Parson’s Mead, Mead Place, London Road, Station Road and Wellesley Road.

The New Addington order covers Parkway, Salcot Crescent, Overbury Crescent, North Downs Road and Downs Road, including King Henry's Drive tram stop.

Tony Brooks, Croydon Council’s director with responsibility for community safety, said: "The dispersal orders give the police extra powers to help stop groups causing a disturbance.

"We will impose them anywhere that persistent antisocial behaviour is making people feel intimidated, harassed, alarmed or distressed. Those acting lawfully will not be affected."

Acting Chief Inspector Peter McGarry, of Croydon police, said: "These two new orders will help local officers identify a small minority of people that are causing problems in specific areas, and take quick and swift actions to prevent them from disrupting the lives of visitors and those who live and work in the borough."

The orders also mean officers can return people aged under 16 to their homes if they are suspected of causing or falling victim to anti-social behaviour.


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