Unlawful encampment in Upton moved on by officers

Officers in South Worcestershire used special powers to move on an unlawful encampment at Hanley Road, Upton-Upon-Severn yesterday (Tuesday 16 January).

Police used the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 to respond to community concerns following the unauthorised arrival of seven caravans and several vehicles on the evening of Friday 12 January.

Their arrival resulted in disruptions to a nearby council waste site and Warners Supermarket over the weekend.

The conduct of some individuals at the encampment was assessed as unacceptable, causing significant disruption to key community services in Upton.

The situation escalated on Sunday when the behaviour of individuals on the site caused a supermarket to close early. Consequently, a decision was made by officers to issue a direction to the group to leave.

Notice was given to the group to relocate, before police resources were deployed from South Worcestershire's Safer Neighbourhood Teams and Neighbourhood Crime Fighting Team, alongside Force Operations officers on Tuesday afternoon to enforce the notice.

Safer Neighbourhood Inspector for Malvern Hills and Wychavon Dave Wise said: “The unlawful encampment was successfully dispersed to a temporary location, allowing the individuals to reside lawfully, without the need for arrests or vehicle seizures.

“Ongoing investigations will address various incidents from the weekend, including a shoplifting offence, and robust measures will be taken against identified offenders.”

“South Worcestershire's Safer Neighbourhood Teams remain committed to taking proportionate and necessary action to prevent anti-social behaviour and crime.

“This includes proactive enforcement against unlawful encampments that cause significant disruptions.

“A substantial number of encampments move through West Mercia's force area annually without incident and the police will always collaborate with local authorities, assessing each case individually and relying on evidence to determine appropriate powers for intervention.”

JI, Corporate Communications