Gangs face Mischief Night clampdown

Dispersal Orders have been in place in Manor, Arbourthorne, Shiregreen, Darnall, Tinsley, Handsworth, Richmond and Woodthorpe, since July.

Since then, 400 people have officially been warned to move on, and 21 people have been arrested for breaching the request.

Now the powers are to be extended to Wybourn and Firth Park as part of Operation Mischief, which runs until November 9.

The crackdown takes place every year to combat nuisance behaviour, criminal damage and misuse of fireworks traditionally associated with Hallowe'en and Bonfire Night.

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Dispersal Orders allow police to send groups of two or more people on their way and, if they see unaccompanied under 16s out on the streets at night, they can be taken home to their parents or to another place of safety.

Chief Inspector Rachel Barber, who is leading Operation Mischief, said: "Dispersal orders have proved extremely effective in tackling the criminal use of fireworks and other anti-social behaviour during this period.

"We're encouraging people to think about the consequences of what they do at this time of year; you might think its just a bit of fun but you could end up with a criminal record, or seriously injuring someone."

Sheffield Council cabinet advisor for safety Coun Mazher Iqbal added: "We welcome these extensions to the orders and will work with the police to make sure they are enforced.

"The council is committed to making people feel safer and dispersal orders help with this.

"They are not a curfew; people can carry on with their normal business and be reassured that the police have extra powers to deal with those people who persist in causing trouble."

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