Police powers stepped up in Greater Manchester village after spate of crimes

Stop-and-search powers have been stepped up in a village in Bolton after a spate of anti-social behaviour. Gangs of youths in Little Lever are said to harassing members of the public and causing 'distress and alarm' around Tesco, Market Street and The Avenues.

A Section 60 order has now been put in place until 11pm tonight (Saturday). It gives police the power to stop and search anyone in the village and order them to leave the area.

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A post on the GMP Bolton South Facebook page said: "This afternoon Inspector Maddocks has authorised a dispersal order for an area of Little Lever. There has been a large amount of anti-social behaviour reported across Little Lever, mostly across Market Street, Tesco and The Avenues.

"Members of the pubic are reporting harassment, alarm and distress being caused to them by groups of unknown youths. This order is necessary and proportionate to target, identify, and take appropriate action against those individuals responsible for this behaviour in this particular area.

"Anyone dispersed under this power will be referred to partner agencies and further preventative work will take place."