Essex Police have enacted a significant dispersal order covering the popular Lakeside Shopping Centre in Thurrock, granting officers enhanced powers to tackle anti-social behaviour throughout the weekend.
What the Dispersal Order Means
The order is a proactive measure designed to prevent and disrupt incidents of anti-social behaviour in the busy retail district. It came into effect at 11am on Saturday, 19 December 2025 and will remain active until 3am on Sunday, 21 December.
Under the terms of the order, police officers are authorised to direct individuals to leave the specified area if they have reasonable grounds to believe their presence or behaviour is contributing to harassment, alarm, or distress to the public. This includes the power to separate groups suspected of engaging in anti-social conduct or where officers believe crime may occur.
Focus on Public Safety and Enjoyment
In a statement, Essex Police sought to reassure the law-abiding public. They emphasised that the order "will have no impact on the law-abiding public enjoying their leisure time at Lakeside or the surrounding shopping areas."
Instead, the force clarified that the primary aim is to provide a safer environment for shoppers and staff. "It will give officers greater powers to tackle incidents of anti-social behaviour," a spokesperson added. The move is seen as a targeted tool to address specific concerns over the busy pre-Christmas weekend, allowing police to act decisively against disruptive elements.
Scope and Rationale
The designated area covered by the dispersal order encompasses the vast Lakeside Shopping Centre complex and its immediate vicinity. Police have not detailed specific incidents leading to the order but have framed it as a preventative strategy.
Such orders are typically used in response to intelligence or a history of issues that could undermine public safety. By implementing it for this 48-hour period, Essex Police aim to deter potential trouble and ensure a peaceful atmosphere for the thousands of visitors expected at one of the region's largest retail destinations.
