POLICE in Stanmore will have extra powers to deal with a sharp rise in anti-social behaviour (ASB).

Anyone not complying with the section 30 dispersal order, which allows police to order people away from the area, could face up to three months in prison, or a fine of up to £5,000.

The order applies to the vicinity of Wavell Way and follows a slew of incidents, including an attempted robbery of a convenience store earlier in the month.

Sergeant Matt Fancett, of the Winchester Safer Neighbourhoods Team, said: “We have worked closely with our partners at Winchester City Council to put this order in place to reduce the anti-social behaviour.

“This order gives us an additional option to deal with those causing problems in this area.”

Officers received 18 reports of ASB in the area in October, and a further 14 reports between November 1 and November 24 - compared to seven reports in September, ten in August and just three in July.

Cllr Patricia Stallard, chairman of Winchester Community Safety Partnership, said the police response was “a way of sending out the message that antisocial behaviour is not acceptable and will be dealt with robustly.”

The order covers Wavell Way between Fox Lane and Stanmore Lane, Stanmore Lane between Eversley Place and Selbourne Place, Somers Close and the alleyway between Stanmore Lane and the recreation ground. It will come into force at 12.01am on Saturday, December 1, expiring at 11:59pm on May 14, 2013.

The new powers also mean that between 9pm and 6am, anyone under the age of 16 not accompanied by a parent or guardian can be returned home.