THAMES Valley Police has put a Section 35 dispersal order in place in both central Reading and at the Select Car Leasing Stadium ahead of tonight’s football fixture.
Section 35 orders mean police officers and designated PCSOs have increased powers to deal with people aged over 10 engaging in anti-social behaviour or likely to do so, including the dispersal of people.
The dispersal order around Reading Station come into effect at noon on Tuesday, December 12, and will remain so until 3am on Wednesday, December 13.
The order around the SCL stadium will come into effect from 4pm on Tuesday and end at midnight that night.
It comes ahead of the football fixture between Reading FC and Oxford United at the Select Car Leasing Stadium later today, the first time the two teams have played one another since 2004.
Superintendent Lee Barnham, silver operational commander for the Reading FC game, said: “These dispersal orders are in place solely as a preventative measure for any anti-social behaviour or disorder which takes place surrounding the game.
“By activating these plans, officers have more options at their disposal to move people out of the area to reduce the likelihood of crime and disorder or people being caused harassment, alarm or distress.
“We want to ensure that fans coming to enjoy the game, residents and the wider public feel safe when visiting the town. Officers will be out and about throughout the day and on hand to answer any questions or concerns you may have – feel free to stop them for a chat.”
