Police issue dispersal order after stones thrown at cars in village

The order, in place until Friday, will allow officers to disperse offenders in Sedgley and arrest them if they return.

It is among a number of measures police are carrying out to tackle the issue which has been ongoing for months.

Officers are also in the process of trawling through CCTV and speaking to witnesses.

Dudley North MP Marco Longhi said: "Following reports from residents about stones been thrown at vehicles in Sedgley, I have reached out to the chief inspector.

"I can confirm the police are taking action, including issuing a dispersal order for this area today [12].

"This means the police can disperse persons not to return to the area for a set period of time. If they return that can be arrested.

"They are also securing evidence against the offenders, they have identified three so far.

"In addition, the police are in the process of obtaining witnesses statements and CCTV and phone footage."

Mr Longhi has asked constituents with any questions to email his office at marco.longhi.mp@parliament.uk.

He also added: "Inappropriate and criminal behaviour, as we have seen in Sedgley, should never be excused.

"However, I do believe a rapid improvement in local facilities for our young is needed. I am aware of a number of projects are being looked at and I have offered my full support to see them come to fruition."

West Midlands Police say a number of young people have been issued with anti-social-behaviour warning notices.

In addition, three people have identified for causing damage to a church wall.

Two youths have been given a conditional caution and enrolled in an intensive Youth Offending Services programme.

The dispersal powers are granted under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.

It allows officers to direct anyone to leave the area whose behaviour is likely to cause alarm, harassment or distress.

A spokesman for West Midlands Police said: "Following a number of incidents of young people causing criminal damage, general disorder and anti-social behaviour in Sedgley over the past few months, we will now be using dispersal powers until 3pm on Friday.

"Patrols are being increased to prevent further offences and to provide reassurance to local people and those visiting Sedgley.

"We know that local people are very concerned about what’s been happening and we’d like to reassure them that lots of work is going on behind the scenes.

"Sometimes criminal damage and other low level offences can go unreported but we need to ensure that we have as much information as possible on every incident that has taken place.

"If you have information and haven’t yet been in touch, please contact us as soon as possible.

"Remember, your report and the information we gather will become a vital part of how we police.

"It helps decide where and when we use police resources to detect and prevent crime."

To contact police, call 101, visit www.west-midlands.police.uk or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.