Merseyside Police used antisocial behaviour powers 118 times in three months

Merseyside Police used antisocial behaviour prevention powers 118 times across Merseyside between 1 April and 30 June 2026, the force says.

The powers include dispersal orders, Community Protection Warnings and Criminal Behaviour Orders (CBOs). They are intended to stop antisocial behaviour from continuing or escalating.

The force has also created a dedicated ASB Preventative Orders Team. Its role is to help officers and partner organisations make greater use of the legal powers available to tackle repeat or serious offending.

The team was established in November 2025 and supports applications for preventative orders, while helping officers improve their use of them.

Merseyside Police’s latest HMICFRS inspection gave the force an ‘Outstanding’ rating for preventing and deterring crime, antisocial behaviour and reducing vulnerability. Inspectors specifically noted the effective use of preventative and protective orders and the force’s work with partners.

“Since we formed the Antisocial Behaviour Partnership, we’ve been very clear on our stance to the public: it’s not minor to you, it’s not minor to us. We pledged in our antisocial behaviour strategy that we would be using the full suite of powers available to us to prevent offending.”

“When we introduce, for example, dispersal zones in an area to prevent ASB, the feedback we often get from the public is that they would like us to have these powers in place all the time. And while, for legislative reasons, we can’t have constant dispersal zones in place, we can ensure that whenever it’s reasonable and proportionate for us to use a power – we absolutely are.”

Chief Superintendent Karl Baldwin, who chairs the Merseyside Antisocial Behaviour Partnership, said every order could have a positive effect on a community.

He highlighted the case of Gerrard Doherty, 53, who received a five-year CBO after admitting three arson offences involving fires on Southport Pier in December 2025 and January 2026. The order bans him from the pier, from carrying items in a public place that could be used to start a fire, and from lighting fires in a public place.

“Every one of these orders has a positive impact on the community. For example, a male who set three different fires on Southport Pier was issued with a five year CBO which means he cannot enter the pier, cannot be in possession of any articles which could be used to light a fire in a public place and must not light any fires in a public place. The loss of the pier would be devastating to the community, as well as having the potential to escalate into a life threatening tragedy.”

“Having a dedicated team in place to ensure these powers are getting used whenever possible, will, I hope, show the public how seriously we are about tackling antisocial behaviour.”

Police are asking people to report antisocial behaviour online or by calling 101. Reports help build a clearer picture of problems across Merseyside and can support action to prevent further offending. Call 999 if a crime is in progress.