A DISPERSAL zone is set to go live in Aberdeen city centre from noon today in a bid to crackdown on antisocial behaviour following a string of incidents including an alleged attempted murder.
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It will hand the police powers to instruct any people in groups of two or more who are congregating and likely to cause distress to members of the public through antisocial behaviour to leave the zone and not return within 24 hours.
Those who do not comply or who seek to return to the area outlined can risk being arrested.
The zone covers the main city centre thoroughfare including Union Street, Bon Accord Centre and Union Square Shopping Centres, Union Terrace and Market Street.
It follows a rise in the number of calls to police in relation to antisocial behaviour, vandalism and assault by young people in the the area in recent weeks.
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Two teenage boys and a 20-year-old woman have been charged with attempted murder following a disturbance on Union Terrace on April 20.
In February, 41-year-old man was seriously injured in another incident in the city's George Street.
The Dispersal Zone will be brought into effect over this weekend - from Friday 31 May to Sunday June 2.
It is anticipated it will run until the end of August and will be in place every day between 12pm and 12am.
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Community Policing Team Inspector Vicky Stables said: “Our communities are vitally important to us and members of the public should be able to enjoy what the vibrant City Centre has to offer without the impact of antisocial behaviour.
"In the last few weeks we have seen a number of young people from across the North East in addition to those from Aberdeen congregating in the City Centre and some have been choosing to engage in antisocial behaviour.
“We have also seen incidents of a serious nature including an alleged attempted murder which three people have been charged with.
“A number of interventions are ongoing with partners and parents however we are looking to develop a proportionate sustainable solution to prevent a problem from developing.
“The powers contained in the dispersal provisions are not intended to be used as a first resort or in isolation. Rather they are intended for use as part of a package of measures agreed with partner agencies.
"The power of dispersal will only be used if it is believed that the presence or behaviour of groups has distressed members of the public.
"It is for the small minority who are intent on causing harm and distress to members of the public.
"We know the vast majority of people coming to Aberdeen City Centre are doing so peacefully and this measure is just one that we can use to help protect the public from antisocial behaviour."
Aberdeen City Council Public Protection committee convener Councillor Jennifer Stewart said: “Our city centre is vibrant and safe which is recognised through our Purple Flag award, and the area is one we can all be proud of.
“A small number of people have been responsible for antisocial and offending behaviour in recent months and we will always support robust action to help ensure the safety of all who live and visit our city centre.
"This order will help ensure all residents and visitors can enjoy their visit.”
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