Overview
- Time‑limited dispersal orders were activated across multiple areas, including Merseyside, Spelthorne in Surrey, Nottingham, Darlington and Fleet, covering typical 24–48 hour windows through Nov 1–2.
- Merseyside Police reported roughly a 20% year‑on‑year drop in antisocial behaviour on Mischief Night after deploying 20 dispersal zones as part of their seasonal operation.
- The orders, issued under Sections 34/35 of the Anti‑Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, empower officers to direct people to leave designated zones for up to 48 hours, seize items and arrest those who return.
- Enforcement included high‑visibility patrols, stop searches and dispersing large groups, with Darlington officers issuing 24‑hour notices to three teenagers and moving other youths from the town centre.
- Police highlighted safeguarding for children aged 10–16 who receive notices and appealed for public reporting of incidents to guide future, data‑led designations.