Groundbreaking new powers are being employed by police in Aveley to tackle anti-social behaviour.

Under the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003, police can now disperse groups of youths loitering in the area of Hall Road, Hall Avenue, Hall Crescent and Church View.

The move follows persistent anti-social behaviour in the area, which culminated earlier this month in four police officers being injured and six arrests being made during a major fracas.

Residents have complained of intimidation, harassment, alarm and distress due to crimes being committed to themselves or their property.

Now groups of just two people can be broken up and escorted home by police if they are unsupervised in public after 9pm.

Published Thursday January 29, 2004

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