POLICE are set to put a dispersal order in place this weekend as large groups of youths are anticipated in Southend.
Social media posts revealed youngsters are planning to meet in Southend on Friday, September 8.
This follows recent incidents in Southend involving anti-social behaviour on August 1 causing businesses to close early.
A dispersal order was put in place that evening and on August 10 to deal with issues during the summer holidays.
Chief Inspector Jo Collins, District Commander for Southend, said police are prepared for any potential incidents.
She said: “We’ll have an additional visible police presence meaning anyone planning disruption will be met robustly.
“If you’re coming by train, you’ll have not one force to contend with but two thanks to the excellent partnership we have with British Transport Police and c2c.
“This partnership work has driven down incidents of violence and anti-social behaviour this summer and seen those committing it dealt with.”
Police liaise with traders, British Transport Police and c2c railway to discuss anti social behaviour issues through Operation Union.
Chief Inspector Collins has commended her officers for dealing with issues in August.
On August 10, officers stopped a group of balaclava-clad youths in Stratford Station from boarding a train to Southend.
Chief Inspector Collins added: “We are experienced at dealing with this kind of issue. When there were plans for a similar event last month, we put robust plans in place and the day passed without incident ensuring families and businesses could enjoy it in peace.
“It is because of this approach that we’ve seen significant falls in incidents of violent crime and anti-social behaviour in the last year.”
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The dispersal order will be in place in Southend between noon on Friday, September 8 to noon on Sunday, September 10.
The order does not mean there is a blanket ban on people coming to Southend.
It gives officers the power to direct people suspected of acting anti-socially to leave the area.
If suspects do not leave the area, they could be arrested.
The dispersal order will cover the area shown in the map attached.
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