White Hill residents yesterday expressed support for a police crackdown in the area — but those who hang out on the street said they are being unfairly targeted.The Bermuda Police Service announced yesterday that starting on Saturday, it would be exercising its powers to disperse groups in the White Hill area, as allowed under Section 110 of the Criminal Code.The same legislation was used earlier this year to tackle antisocial behaviour around Cambridge Road, Sandys, producing positive results.“It just doesn’t seem fair,” one young man said. “We’re here because there’s nothing to do. If they don’t like us hanging out here then get us jobs. Give us something to do.”Acting Chief Inspector Robert Cardwell said the move came as a result of discussions with those who live in the area, as well as community leaders.“It is necessary for the Bermuda Police Service to exercise these powers as a direct result of the consultation that has occurred with community leaders and others who live within this community,” he said.“They have essentially pleaded for assistance to rid this community of the antisocial behaviour exhibited by groups who congregate and cause alarm and distress and I have received letters from members of this community to this effect.“The antisocial behaviour exhibited is evident in reports of drug dealing, public alcohol consumption, loud music playing and the general disrespect shown towards the area residents all of which contribute to the alarm and distress of these residents.”The crackdown will cover the area between Spring Benny Road and Farmstead Lane in Sandys. The order specifically covers Spring Benny Lane, Spring Benny Drive, Spring Benny Road, White Hill View, Rockywold Drive, Rockywold Road, Butterfield Lane, Woodlawn Road, Fairhaven Lane, White Hill Lane, Farmstead Lane and any public place contiguous to any of these roads.Under the law, officers can approach those who congregate in the covered areas and order them to move and not return for the duration of the order, which starts Saturday at 8am and ends on September 21 at midnight.Those who refuse to comply, or return to the area despite being instructed not to, can be arrested and be given a fine of up to $2,500 and/or a three-month prison sentence.Additionally, anyone under 17 years old found in any of these areas under this authority between the hours of 9pm and 6am can be taken to their home and handed over to their parent or guardian.If a police officer taking a child back to their home suspects there is any risk to that child or the child is in any danger, the child will be handed over to the care of Social Services.Chf Insp Cardwell added: “We will assess the response to this authority over the course of the next two weeks and if deemed necessary I will make a case for a Police Superintendent to exercise his power under the act to extend the authority for an additional 30 days.”Following the announcement, The Royal Gazette spoke to some of the residents of the area, along with a group of young men who hang out there.One man, who said he works part time at a restaurant, said: “I don’t think it’s right. We work nine to five. Why can’t we come out to the road?“We have been working all day and some of these houses don’t have air conditioning.”A second said: “I just think that it’s unfair that people just criticise us for just sitting out here. Don’t judge us unless you know us.”Asked why he thought they were being targeted, he said: “I don’t know, man. I can’t tell you.”The group insisted that they were not meeting in the area to carry out illegal activity, only sitting and talking, but they said they saw this move coming.Asked if the crackdown would keep them out of the area, one said: “Saturday, I’ll be here. We will be right here.”Several people who live in the area were more positive about the announcement. One area resident, who asked not to be named, said she was glad to see the police were reacting to her concerns.“We’ve had a few homes around here broken into, and some people are nervous,” she said. “Hopefully having more police around here will help that.”Another resident was less optimistic, saying: “When they get them out of the street, where are they going to go? Moving a problem isn’t fixing a problem.“I’m happy that something is being done, and it may help some of the places nearby but the boys who are out there causing the trouble will still cause trouble.”