Police powers expanded to combat anti-social behaviour in Clapham Junction

Police granted powers to remove people from Clapham Junction following anti-social behaviour on St John's Road.

A dispersal zone authorised on Monday (January 17) gives police officers additional powers after school children disrupted Clapham Junction with anti-social behaviour.

The dispersal zone covers a 200 metre radius from McDonald's on St John's Road, outside which were "large gatherings of school children causing Anti-Social Behaviour," Wandsworth Police reported.

It is in place until 3:30pm on Wednesday (January 19) to minimise the risk of members of the public being harassed, alarmed or distressed, and reduce the likelihood of crime.

Wandsworth Police reminded the public that with a dispersal zone in place it is an offence to fail to comply with a direction given by a police officer or PCSO to disperse from the area.

It is also an offence to fail to surrender items likely to cause anti-social behaviour, on request of a police officer or PCSO.

Returning to the area after being directed to disperse during this specified period is also an offence.

A spokesperson for Wandsworth Police said: "On Monday 17th January at 15.30hrs, a dispersal zone was authorised under S35 of the Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014.

"The dispersal zone will remain in place until 15:30hrs on Wednesday 19th January.

"The dispersal zone covers a 200 metre radius from McDonalds on St John's Road, Clapham Junction.

"This has been put in place due to recent large gatherings of school children causing Anti Social Behaviour.

"Please note that whilst a dispersal zone is in effect, it is an offence to: Fail to comply with a direction given by a police officer or PCSO to disperse from the area; fail to surrender items likely to cause anti-social behaviour, on request of a police officer or PCSO; return within a specified period after being directed to disperse from the area."