AN order to combat anti-social behaviour in Rubery has come into force for a second time.

The dispersal order started on Monday and will run until October 2. It will mean police have the power to break up groups of two or more people on more than 60 roads in Rubery and return anyone under 16 to their homes if they are unsupervised and in a public place after 9pm.

A previous order, which expired earlier this year, saw a lull in crime in Rubery immediately after it came to an end, but over the past few months the number of assaults, criminal damage and public order offences has increased.

Beat manager PC Jayne Willetts said: "We have had targeted patrols in place, but the number of complaints from residents across the area has risen and so, with considerable public support, we have applied to reintroduce the dispersal order giving police the powers to tackle these issues."

She added: "We are confident that the renewal of the order will help reduce this trend towards persistent anti-social behaviour by some young people in Rubery.

"Anyone seen acting in that way and asked to move on by officers should be aware they could face arrest if they return within 24 hours."

PC Willetts said as well as protecting residents from feeling threatened by the behaviour of these young people, the order also had a positive effect on the youngsters themselves, protecting them from the dangers of being out late on the streets at night.

"Experience has shown that the use of this legislation in Rubery can improve the quality of life for residents, reducing both the fear of crime and the number of instances of anti-social behaviour," she added.