Message of thanks issued from North Warwickshire police commander after rumours disorder may come to Nuneaton

The police commander for the north of Warwickshire has issued a statement of thanks to the Nuneaton community.

Yesterday evening (Wednesday), officers were present as part of our policing response to rumours disorder may come to the town. Following a small number of reports of anti-social behaviour, we put a police dispersal order in place under Section 35 of the Crime and Policing Act 2014. It means those involved in anti-social behaviour are required to leave the area and if they don’t, they can be arrested. This dispersal order remains in place until later this evening (Thursday).

Chief Inspector Kris Shore, Northern Area Commander said: “We became aware of information circulating that Nuneaton may be targeted as part of the violence and disorder taking place up and down the country.

“After receiving reports of a small group of young people behaving in an anti-social manner, we quickly took the decision to implement a dispersal order in the town centre. The group were immediately removed from the area.

“I would like to thank the many members of the community who engaged with and spoke to us as we were out and about last night.

"We understand it’s a concerning time, and we know they don’t want this violence on their doorstep, but I’d like to reassure them that we continue to have robust plans in place to respond to any potential disorder locally and our top priority is public safety.

“Everyone should be able to leave their homes, carry out their daily routines peacefully, without feeling threatened or in fear of being targeted.

“Business as usual will continue, but I want to reiterate that are ready to tackle violence, criminal activity, hate crime or abuse.

"We continue to have the full support of our criminal justice partners, and anyone involved in disorder or protest activity should know we will take the most robust stance and they will be arrested, charged, named and shared widely.

“We’re proud of all of our communities in Nuneaton – and we will do what it takes to make sure they’re safe.”

Issued: Laura Maltby, Corporate Communications