Teenagers issued with notices to leave following Darlington dispersal order

Three teenagers were issued with notices to leave after a dispersal order was implemented in Darlington town centre.

The 24-hour order was issued for the town centre from 12.30pm yesterday until 12.30pm today after officers received reports of potential planned disorder due to take place in the area.

Extra police officers and Civic Enforcement Officers from Darlington Borough Council were deployed to the town centre yesterday evening to monitor the situation and deal with anyone causing trouble.

Dispersal notices were issued to three boys, aged 13, 14, and 15, two of whom were believed to be setting fireworks off on High Row.

The notices ban them from entering the town centre for 24 hours – if they ignore the order, they will be arrested.

Several groups of youths who gathered in the town centre throughout the course of the evening were also moved on from the area by officers. 

Inspector David Littlefair, from Darlington Neighbourhood Police Team, said: “A dispersal order is a really useful tool in our fight against antisocial behaviour as it allows us to immediately move troublemakers on, while also acting as a deterrent to others by discouraging them from coming into the town centre in the first place.   

“The order appears to have had the desired effect, as there were relatively low levels of disorder reported in the town centre yesterday evening.

“We are conscious that some individuals did move to other areas of the town, and we redeployed our resources to these areas.

“I hope that last night’s action provides reassurance to local residents and businesses that we will not tolerate antisocial behaviour, and we will take robust action against those who commit offences.”

Anyone wishing to report antisocial behaviour should visit our website at www.durham.police.uk/ro/report/asb/asb-v3/report-antisocial-behaviour/

Further information can also be found on the Darlington Borough Council website at

https://www.darlington.gov.uk/community-safety/civic-enforcement/anti-social-behaviour/