A dispersal order is in place near a supermarket after reports of staff and customers being intimidated and damage being caused. 

Police have put in place a dispersal order in Totton town centre, covering the Asda on Commercial Road and everywhere within a 600-metre radius of the store. 

It comes after a number of reports of criminal damage as well as antisocial and intimidating behaviour towards staff and customers at businesses nearby. 

The order gives officers the power to order a person to leave the area with no return within a specified time period. 

It also allows them to seize anything used in antisocial behaviour. 

Hampshire ConstabularyHampshire Constabulary (Image: NQ/Hampshire Constabulary)

Those who refuse to comply are committing a criminal offence and could be arrested. 

Those aged under 16 will be taken be to their home and follow-up work will be done with parents.

Acting New Forest Chief Inspector, Darren Ord, said: "We know it is only a small minority of people who become involved in this sort of behaviour.

"However, the impacts of ASB can be far-reaching and have a severe negative impact on the lives of local residents, including customers and staff at local businesses.

“Antisocial behaviour often goes hand in hand with other associated criminal activity, which has been seen here with reports of criminal damage, and we are determined to put a stop to this and target the individuals involved.

“The tactics we are using are a robust measure to keep the public safe and ensure local people’s lives aren’t disrupted.

“If you have witnessed or been affected by any of this type of behaviour in the area, please continue to report it to police, so we can target our patrols and take further proactive action.”

Anyone with any information about antisocial behaviour should call 101, or report online via the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary website.