Police step up patrols on Northampton estate after spate of crime

Police have been out on patrol in Thorplands today

Last night, police were given more dispersal powers to prevent crime and disorder following a number of incidents in Thorplands recently. The powers started at 6pm on Thursday, November 23, and last for 48 hours.

A spokesman for Northamptonshire Police said extra patrols had been taking place to "reassure the community and help deter people from committing any offences".

"Section 34 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 grants a power to uniformed police officers and designated Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) to deal with individuals engaging in anti-social behaviour, crime and disorder," he explained.

"This applies not only when anti-social behaviour, crime and disorder have happened or are taking place, but when they are likely to occur, in any location. The period of exclusion from an area can be up to 48 hours and anyone dispersed and found to have returned within this period can be arrested," he said.

Under Section 34, officers have an additional power to confiscate items associated with the behaviour which has led them to order someone to disperse.

Northamptonshire Police has been tweeting during the day with advice and updates.