Merseyside Police have introduced a legal zone in Kirkby, Merseyside, that gives officers the power to move groups out of public spaces. The order began on February 19, 2026, following a rise in reports of anti-social behaviour that has disrupted the local community.
The restricted area is bounded by Hall Lane, Cherryfield Drive, County Road, and Webster Drive. Under these temporary rules, police can order people to leave the area for up to 48 hours and seize any items, including vehicles, that are being used to cause a nuisance.
The decision to start the zone follows several reports of people damaging cars and being abusive toward shop workers and delivery drivers. Officers are also looking for information regarding an unprovoked attack on an elderly resident that took place in the town centre in mid-February 2026.
This is the second time this month that such measures have been used, after 13 formal notices were handed out to youths during a similar period earlier in February. Residents can expect to see more uniformed and plain-clothes patrols as police work with Knowsley Council to make the streets feel safer.
Local Neighbourhood Watch members are encouraged to help by reporting the exact locations of repeat problems to the police. Residents are also being asked to check on older or vulnerable neighbours who may feel intimidated by the recent increase in street-level abuse.
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