Police were given new powers to arrest and ban people caught begging, street gambling and selling fake perfumes - but only for two days.

From 3pm on March 16 to 3pm on March 18, officers were able to "disperse and arrest" people constantly committing crimes around Harrow Bus Station.

A map of the area in Harrow where police enforced the dispersal 

Harrow Times:

The aim of the dispersal order was to stop young people from carrying out anti-social behaviour, after complaints from members of the public.

The order gives police and community support officers power to disperse behaviour likely to cause ‘alarm, harassment or distress,’ to members of the public.They can be banned from entering the area for 48 hours, and children under the age of 16 will be sent home or a "a safe place."

Those who breach the order will be arrested.

The two-day police operation, authorised by Inspector Whelan of Harrow police, was supported by the Greenhill policing team who were supported by special constables.

One of three one-metre metal bars found in Queens House car park

Harrow Times:

Police also searched for weapons in town centre car parks - and three one metre metal bars were found in Queens House car park, hidden in different areas.

One man wanted by Thames Valley Police was arrested for breach of the order.