Police have been given dispersal powers across parts of Westminster overnight as the Met braces for a rise in anti-social behaviour over the Halloween weekend.
The added powers have been granted under a dispersal order that has been approved between 5pm today (October 30) until 4am on Saturday (October 31).
It covers wards or parts of Pimlico, Vincent Square, St James and Knightsbridge & Belgravia.
Under the order, officers will be allowed to remove a person from the designated zone if the person has or is likely to harass, alarm, distress or contribute to crime or disorder.
It is understood that the decision to impose the dispersal order was taken following ongoing reports of anti-social behaviour over recent weeks. The Met has confirmed it anticipates an increase in the levels of anti-social behaviour this weekend associated with Halloween.
A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: “There is an extensive policing plan in place tonight and over the weekend across the borough. If you witness or are victim of a crime or Anti-Social Behaviour, please report using 999/101.”
The Westminster order is not the only Halloween dispersal power in force this weekend: a 48-hour dispersal order is also in place in Bexley, running from 3pm on Friday until 3pm on Sunday. Together, the two orders show police preparing for disorder across the capital as Halloween falls on a Saturday this year.
Anyone heading out this weekend should also check the Halloween weekend road closures on the A40 and M25 and where to trick-or-treat in London before setting off.
