On 26 February 2026, Cleveland Police put a dispersal order in place in the Berwick Hills area of Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire, to tackle criminal damage and anti-social behaviour. This measure gives officers the power to move groups of people out of specific areas to stop them from causing a nuisance to the local community.
The 48-hour order follows reports of groups of youths targeting property owned by Middlesbrough Council and public vehicles. Local residents and businesses have reported damage to buses and taxis, which led officers to use the maximum legal timeframe allowed for this type of order.
The restricted zone covers several busy locations, including the Morrisons car park, the Neptune Centre, and the shops at Norfolk Place. It is also bounded by Ormesby Road, Howgill Walk, Greenhow Road, Westerdale Road, Bransdale Road, Gilling Walk, Crossfell Road, and Penrith Road.
Officers can arrest anyone who returns to the zone within the specified time after being told to leave. This action follows a reported 11 per cent drop in crime in the Berwick Hills area as of November 2025, which was attributed to a partnership initiative called Project Orme.
The move is intended to reduce damage while giving the local community a clearer way to report ongoing problems. Residents can expect to see an increased police presence and more patrols in the area while the order remains in effect.
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