A targeted police initiative - directed at the Hackney side of Manor House station - has had a positive effect in reducing robbery, theft and harassment, with these crimes falling by 77% during the six-month period.

The Manor House dispersal zone - implemented by the police and supported by the Council - came into force on 20 September 2010 in response to local concerns around anti-social behaviour and a rise in cash-point robbery, and during the operation, personal robbery, theft against the person, and harassment fell by 77% when compared to the previous six-month period.

Under a dispersal zone, police have the power to ask groups of people to move along where their behaviour has caused or looks likely to cause harassment, alarm or intimidation, and over the six month period, 350 notices to disperse were given, with 21 arrests made.

Chief Inspector Easton, Chief Inspector of Safer Neighbourhoods at Hackney Police, says: “These results show that the Dispersal Zone served its purpose in reducing robbery and anti-social behaviour in Manor House. The visibility of officers in enforcing the zone further reassured the community of our commitment to tackling their concerns. Although the operation has now come to an end, we will continue to work with our partners at the Council to monitor the area closely."

Councillor Sophie Linden, Cabinet Member for Crime, Sustainability and Customer Services, says: “These results are extremely encouraging, and demonstrate how working together and targeting resources, we can have a positive affect on crime and anti-social behaviour."