Dispersal Order Issued for Southampton City Centre Ahead of Major Events

A dispersal order has been issued for Southampton City Centre from 8:30am today (Wednesday, 12 November) until 11:30pm tomorrow (Thursday, 13 November), as police prepare to support two key events taking place in the city this week.

The order has been introduced to help maintain public safety during Safer Business Action (SaBA) Day and the annual Christmas Light Switch-On — both expected to draw large numbers of people into the city centre.

Safer Business Action Day, taking place today, brings together police, local partners, and city businesses to tackle retail crime and anti-social behaviour. Officers will be carrying out patrols, visiting shops, and offering advice on crime prevention, all aimed at keeping Southampton’s shopping areas safe and welcoming.

Tomorrow, attention turns to one of the city’s most popular festive events — the Christmas Light Switch-On — when thousands are expected to gather to kick off the holiday season. The dispersal order will give police the power to act quickly if anyone causes disruption or behaves antisocially, helping ensure the celebrations can be enjoyed by all.

A dispersal order allows officers to direct individuals to leave the designated area if they are involved in, or likely to cause, anti-social behaviour. Anyone ordered to leave must not return within the set period. Failure to comply is a criminal offence and can lead to arrest.

A police spokesperson said the order is about keeping the city centre safe for everyone:

“We want the city centre to be a safe place for everyone, and we want everyone to enjoy their time in Southampton – whether you’re here to do some shopping, working in retail, or joining in the festive spirit at the light switch-on. Please do so responsibly and respectfully.”

The boundaries of the dispersal zone have been clearly marked on a map shared by police and cover the main city centre areas expected to be busiest during the two-day period.