Police are continuing to move people on from public areas when they restrict access or intimidate members of the public, ahead of new move-on order powers coming into force on October 25.

Senior Sergeant Cam MacKinnon said police moved on two homeless people yesterday morning after they positioned themselves immediately in line with a pedestrian crossing and approached members of the public, intimidating them and demanding money.

He said the pair were verbally abusive to members of the public they approached, and they repeated this behaviour when approached by police.

“They’re restricting a public footpath, and they intimidate and scare the public and shop owners.”

MacKinnon said police were preparing for the new move-on order powers by developing guidance, training for staff and engaging with key stakeholders through an external advisory group.

They expect to receive advice from national headquarters about the exact powers the orders will provide.