By Stephen Topping
Copyright manchestereveningnews
An entire town centre has been issued with a police dispersal order amid a ‘ crime wave’ which saw two stabbings this week . Wigan town centre was issued with a 48-hour dispersal order on Thursday afternoon (September 11). The order came into force at 3.30pm on Thursday and lasts until the same time on Saturday afternoon. Greater Manchester Police says it follows an increase in incidents of crime and anti-social behaviour ‘plaguing’ Wigan over the past fortnight. Never miss a story with the MEN’s daily Catch Up newsletter – get it in your inbox by signing up here That spate of crimes includes the stabbings of a 42-year-old man and a 14-year-old boy at Wigan Interchange on Wednesday afternoon. Both victims were left with injuries described by police as ‘serious but not life-threatening’. A 16-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. GMP has been approached for an update on the investigation. Inspector Morris, from GMP’s Wigan West neighbourhood team, authorised the dispersal order under Section 34 of the Anti-social Behaviour and Policing Act 2014. He said: “Anti-social behaviour and violence have no place in our town centre. We operate a zero-tolerance policy and are working closely with local authorities to keep our community safe. “We will take positive action against those who choose to disregard this notice.” The dispersal order gives officers the power to order people to leave Wigan town centre if they are engaging in, or are deemed likely to engage in, crime and anti-social behaviour. It covers the area highlighted on the map pictured below. A GMP Wigan spokesperson said: “These powers will not be used for anyone visiting the area and going about their daily business. “Under the legislation, officers have the power to seize any item used in the commission of such incidents.” The force says the dispersal order comes as a wave of incidents has been ‘plaguing Wigan town centre’. A spokesperson added: “A premises on Jaxons Court has already been issued with a Community Protection Warning and given strict instruction in relation to its conduct and operating practices. Join our Court and Crime WhatsApp group HERE “Additional and specialist resources will be policing the area over the forthcoming weeks. “As a parent, carer or educational facility, please be responsible for your children and students and advise them regarding their general conduct and presence in Wigan town centre. Don’t allow us to come knocking on your door.”
