Groups of youths are reported to have caused a series of incidents in the town in recent weeks, prompting numerous complaints from residents. Now West Mercia Police has issued a dispersal order and pleaded to the public to come forward with any information they may have. From today (17 February) until 8am tomorrow ( February 18), officers can direct people to leave the area and not return; if they do return, they may be committing an offence. Police also have separate powers to require the name and address of anyone they reasonably believe is engaging in anti-social behaviour and failing to provide those details is an offence. In recent days West Mercia Police has carried out mobile and foot patrols in Bromyard in a bid to stamp out anti-social behaviour. A spokesperson for North Herefordshire Police explained that the Dispersal Order for Bromyard was granted under Section 34 Anti Social Behaviour Crime & Policing Act 2014. Adding: “Today, there have been numerous reports of Anti-Social Behaviour and Criminal Damage involving groups of young people in Bromyard Town Centre. “There is a belief that the offenders will return or remain in town causing further issues. The section 34 dispersal is necessary to deal robustly with incidents. “What does this mean? You can be given a direction to leave the area and not return. Any breaches & returning to the area is an offence. “We have the power to ask for your name and address (Section 50 Police Reform Act) if you are committing ASB. Failure to provide details is an offence. This order is in place until Wednesday 18/02/2026 at 0800hrs.” If the public see any anti social behaviour or note any criminal damage they are being asked to report to the police and quote incident log 292_I_17022026.
