S35 Dispersal Zone - 28th July 2026 - Purley Town Centre

Good morning Resident, 

Over the last few weeks, Purley has been experiencing an increase in antisocial behaviour, drug dealing and robberies.  This has stemmed from groups of youths congregating in the area which in turn has drawn offenders into the area. 

Purley SNT, along with Police Officers from other Croydon based teams, have been working incredibly hard to tackle this.   

Yesterday, we implemented a Dispersal Zone in Purley Town Centre.  This resulted in six people being given the direction to leave the area for 48 hours, four people were stopped and searched and one person was issued a Community Resolution for Possession of Cannabis. 
 

I am pleased that the number of people congregating in Purley yesterday was significantly lower than we have seen in recent days.  We are not complacent and continue to work on this matter.  
 

I have again obtained authorisation from Inspector Andy Smith for a Section 35 Dispersal Zone to be in force today, 28 July 2026, from 1300 to 2359 hours.

Anyone found committing anti-social behaviour or likely to commit anti-social behaviour, or cause harassment, alarm or distress, then officers have the power to direct the individual to leave the specified area as shown in the attached map.   A power of arrest for those failing to comply or breaching this dispersal is available to officers.  Purley SNT will be working extended shifts in order to police this.  

I will continue to review the situation daily and seek authorisation for dispersal powers where necessary.

Should you wish to report any antisocial behaviour, please call 101 or in an emergency call 999.