Section 34 notices, which require people to disperse from a location for up to 48 hours, were used 57 times more in 2025 than in the previous year - a 25pc increase.

The figures have emerged following a Freedom of Information request by this newspaper, which has revealed the hotspots for disorder in the county.

The majority of the orders were issued in urban areas, with the highest number in King's Lynn, 434, followed by Norwich with 420.

Police out in force in King's Lynn (Image: Newsquest)

But the biggest spike in the powers being used was in the Norwich West policing area.

This location includes Bowthorpe, where there have been frequent clashes between protestors outside a hotel used to house asylum seekers.

In 2025, there were 37 orders issued in Norwich West. Prior to last year, there had only been one other Section 34 notice issued there, in 2020.

In November, the force began issuing Section 34 notices to prevent groups from gathering outside the Brook Hotel in Bowthorpe.

The Brook Hotel in Bowthorpe, which is used to house asylum seekers, has put up security fencing (Image: Newsquest)

It followed months of frequent clashes between people demonstrating against the hotel and counter-protestors.

Beyond the larger protests held at weekends, a smaller group maintained a presence outside the hotel most evenings until the weather grew colder.

Some of those present have been accused of harassing staff and asylum seekers living at the hotel.

Videos have been posted online by the demonstrators, displaying incidents where laser pens and torches are being shone into the faces of staff and those staying there.

Police and protestors outside the Brook Hotel (Image: Newsquest)

Other incidents have resulted in metal security fencing that prevents people from reaching the hotel being knocked down and security staff being mocked by people wearing Halloween masks.

It has resulted in several arrests being made, with some prosecutions.

Chief Constable Paul Sanford called last year's protests a "drain on resources" and said it had affected the force's ability to deal with crime.

While the clashes in Norwich West have contributed to police officers using Section 34 powers more frequently, the force said it uses the powers more commonly to prevent large groups engaging in anti‑social behaviour, vehicle nuisance, or alcohol‑related disorder.

The highest number of dispersal orders were issued in King's Lynn North, where the town's bars and clubs are concentrated, with 376 notices handed out since 2020.

Norfolk Police data also showed Norwich East was where the second-highest number of Section 34 orders were issued - 362.

Police on duty on Prince of Wales Road during a public order operation (Image: Newsquest)

This covers much of the city centre, including nightlife areas like Prince of Wales Road and around Carrow Road stadium - both areas where large groups of people can congregate.

Thetford had the third highest number of Section 34 notices issued, with 104.

Overall, since 2020, there has been a 95pc increase in the use of dispersal orders, rising from 142 to 278.

However, Norfolk Police said the low figures in 2020 and 2021 were likely affected by Covid lockdowns.

A spokeswoman for the force said: "Section 34 dispersal powers are just one of the operational tools that enables officers to respond swiftly to emerging public order concerns, such as large groups engaging in anti‑social behaviour, vehicle nuisance, or alcohol‑related disorder.

 "Officers use these powers primarily as a preventative measure.

"When they have reasonable grounds to believe that certain behaviours may escalate or threaten public safety, they can direct individuals to leave an area for up to 48 hours.

"This helps stop problems before they develop, reduces the likelihood of disorder, and provides immediate reassurance to the community."

A table showing the policing area and number of Section 34 notices issued between 2020 and 2025 (Image: Flourish)

A table showing the policing area and number of Section 34 notices issued between 2020 and 2025 (Image: Flourish)

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