Police in Nuneaton explain why the dispersal order was enforced in the town center – and warn to expect more

Nuneaton’s chief constable has explained why a dispersal order has been put in place in the town centre. A dispersal order was issued on the Ring Road and also Riversley Park yesterday (Sunday June 16), meaning groups of two or more people – including young people – were told to leave and not return for 48 hours.

It’s a police power rarely used locally, but one that Chief Inspector Kris Shore, the district’s area commander, told CoventryLive was used as part of ongoing efforts to make the city center “feel safer ” and to increase public assurance.

Last week he pledged to use new “tactics” to help boost confidence following the tragic death of Tom Ellis, the 25-year-old who died in hospital after being stabbed on Queens Road.

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Although there were no serious incidents yesterday, he said there had been a reported problem with youth gangs in Riversley Park and also reported anti-social behavior at the top end of Queens Road. He explained that in order to prevent any problems from escalating, especially in the run-up to England’s game against Serbia at the Euros, the order was put in place.

It meant police officers could tell groups of two or more people to leave the “dispersal zone” and ban them from returning for 48 hours – or face arrest. CI Shore explained that the order had not been applied to any individual.

But he explained that dispersal orders, as well as other police powers, will continue to be used as they aim to control problems and fears about the safety of the city centre. He admits there is still a long way to go, but added that more officers have been deployed downtown and that will continue.

“Last week I pledged to work with our partners and local authorities to put measures in place to reassure the Nuneaton community that the town center is still a safe place to visit and work.

“This includes a range of reactive and preventative options that we have at our disposal. Yesterday afternoon (Sunday 16th June) we had reports of small pockets of anti-social behavior in Riversely Park, Nuneaton town center and surrounding areas, we took the decision to put a dispersal order in place to stop any further disruption or escalation of this behavior, which was successful. they went out in the evening and went home safely.”

He added: “There has been and will continue to be an increased police presence in Nuneaton town center while a further increase in officers has been brought in to cover the Euro football tournament.”