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City centre dispersal zone a victim of its own success as police say it would be ‘difficult’ to bring it back

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Police have said it would be “difficult” to bring back increased powers to tackle youth antisocial behaviour in Aberdeen – because they were too successful.

Officers only called upon dispersal legislation in the city centre 22 times between May and August.

But it has emerged the threat of the legislation has curbed many of the areas problems, with the number of recorded antisocial behaviour incidents more than halving in that time.

Speaking at a public meeting in the city centre, Sergeant Doug Mackay said: “It has been a success.

“In terms of antisocial behaviour incidents, there were 47 in May but that number dropped down to only 19 in August.”

It has emerged only 16 “problem youths” were targeted using the legislation, which was introduced amidst a swell of publicity and after a consultation involving businesses and residents.

It followed a number of high profile incidents of antisocial behaviour, the most serious of which was an alleged attempted murder in Union Terrace in April.

Sergeant Mackay continued: “Although the dispersal order has come to an end, the operation will continue.

“However in order to approve an extension to the dispersal order, the superintendent would need to be assured there is a significant, persistent and serious antisocial behaviour problem in the city centre.

“Due to the downward trend in incidents in the city centre that is unlikely. It would be difficult to renew the zone at this time.”

Overall the legislation was used 22 times from May 30 to August 31.

Two youngsters were dispersed from the zone – around Union Street and the main shopping centres – on three separate occasions.

The ban lasted for 24 hours and a total of seven people were later charged for returning in that time.

The move was part of a wider effort to tackle youth antisocial behaviour, dubbed Operation Windermere by police.

City centre Inspector Vicky Stables added: “The decision to impose the dispersal zone was not taken lightly but it was deemed necessary to address the rise in calls we were receiving about antisocial behaviour, vandalism and assaults involving youths.

“This unwanted behaviour was being led by a very small group of people and needed to be tackled.”