This former steel town, which is struggling against high levels of deprivation, has embraced the zones as a response to intimidating behaviour by groups of young people and adults. Four different parts of Corby have introduced zones, and the town centre is onto its third one. Brought in as part of the Antisocial Behaviour Act 2003, the zones allow police to move on groups of people who are likely to be threatening. If they refuse to move they can be arrested. If they move on but do not leave the zone they can be banned from the area for 24 hours. Since the powers came into force in January 2004, 809 zones have appeared across England, with the West Midlands Police topping the league with 123 zones. At least 14,375 people have been dispersed, and 520 young people taken home, according to figures obtained under the Freedom of Information Act, although the power to take people aged under 16 home was overturned in the High Court last July.
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