Police have put in place a dispersal order for Gloucester Quays and Peel Retail Park following reports of anti-social behaviour by a group of teenagers.
The Section 35 order began at 8am on Tuesday and will run until 8am on Thursday.
It follows reports of an increased number of incidents involving large groups of youths in the Quays over the past few days.
This includes intimidating members of the public and shop workers, theft, criminal damage and assault.
The order allows officers to direct any groups of two or more to leave the area for up to 48 hours, if it is believed that the behaviour of the group is likely to result in members of the public being harassed, alarmed or distressed.
Anyone who has been directed to leave the designated area by an officer and who returns within that time frame, can be arrested.
Section 35 of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 gives police officers the power to issue dispersal orders in a specific area.
Sergeant Liz Lovell from the Gloucester Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “After continued reports of teenagers causing anti-social behaviour in parts of our city, we are taking action to ensure everybody’s safety.
“We will not tolerate anyone who believes they can act above the law.
“Everybody has the right to live in and visit our city without fear, and we will take action against anybody demonstrating this irresponsible behaviour.”
