A dispersal order has been put in place in Stockton as detectives investigate a number of incidents overnight (Tuesday 15th September) which are currently believed to be linked.

Between 4.35am and 6am criminal damage was reported at two addresses in Roseworth and Tilery with a number of properties also being deliberately

struck by a black Jaguar, which was reported stolen the evening before. No injuries were reported.

A thorough investigation by Stockton CID is currently underway to establish the circumstances of what happened and to locate those responsible.

A 48-hour dispersal order has been put in place in the Tilery and Portrack areas in Stockton which runs from 7pm tonight (Tuesday 15th September) to 7pm on Thursday 17th September).

It gives officers the powers to ask people to leave the area for the specified time period. If they return, they could be arrested for breaching the order. The order is not to target those going about legitimate and lawful business. Anyone suspected of antisocial behaviour will be asked to leave the area.

A 24-hour section 60 is also in place which grants officers with powers to stop and search any individual when appropriate, within the locations in the map below.

Officers can also remove any item from a person that they reasonably believe is being used to conceal their identity within the designated area under section 60AA.

Anyone who refuses to comply will be arrested.

Acting Superintendent Jamie Bell, said: “I understand these incidents may cause some concern within the community, but I’d like to reassure residents that we are working at speed to identify those responsible and are using all the tools at our disposal.

“We are currently treating these incidents overnight as targeted and linked with no wider risk. The local community will continue to see our officers in the area conducting enquiries and providing a reassuring presence so please speak to them if you have any concerns.

“We are determined to pursue all viable lines of enquiries and take robust action against those responsible. Extensive enquires will continue throughout today and we would be keen to hear from anyone with information who has not yet spoken to police.”

Anyone with information or any relevant CCTV/dash cam footage of a black Jaguar in the area at the time is asked to call 101, quoting reference number 185299. If you don’t want to speak to police, you can contact independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online via their website.

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