AN order to tackle alcohol-related incidents of anti-social behaviour has been introduced in Crediton.
Today, Wednesday, August 19, a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) was introduced in Crediton by Mid Devon District Council, giving police and other authorised officers extra powers to tackle antisocial behaviour and street drinking.
Authorised under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, the order will allow the police and authorised officers to disperse individuals who are causing a nuisance or disorder, and the power to remove alcohol from people who are drinking on the streets before a situation escalates.
With 25 signs now in place which highlight behaviours that could be considered a violation of the order, the PSPO is now enforceable across the town from St Saviour’s Way to The Bike Shed and including both Newcombes Meadow, the Town Square, Market Street and North Street.
Inspector Mark Arthurs, who heads up the neighbourhood policing team in Crediton, said: “The introduction of the Public Space Protection Order will help officers to prevent anti-social behaviour and associated crimes from happening in Crediton.
“We recognise there have been issues impacting our community and have worked with the council to introduce the PSPO, which means we can police the area more consistently and disperse anyone causing problems in the town.”
In the restricted area, people are asked to refrain from consuming alcohol and from behaving in an anti-social manner.
People found to be in breach of the restrictions can be asked to leave the area and instructed not return for 24 hours.
Officers may also issue a fixed penalty notice of up to £1,000 to anyone they believe has committed an offence.
Environment and Enforcement, Grounds Maintenance and Street Cleansing Manager at Mid Devon District Council, Luke Howard said: “Over the past 12 to 18 months, we have received numerous reports from residents, businesses and visitors concerning anti-social behaviour directly linked to street drinking in the High Street.
“While the vast majority of people use the town centre responsibly, a small number of individuals have been causing a disproportionate level of nuisance and distress to others.
“We have worked extensively with our Neighbourhood Policing Team to develop an approach that gives officers the appropriate tools to tackle these issues effectively. The introduction of this PSPO is intended to improve the experience of everyone who lives, works and visits the area, while helping businesses to operate in a more welcoming environment.”
Councillor Guy Cochran, Cabinet member for Quality of Life, Equalities and Public Health and Leader of Mid Devon District Council, said it was complaints directed to the Town Council, Police and Mid Devon District Council which had prompted the Order which will be in place for up to three years.
Similar PSPO’s are already in other towns and cities locally including Tavistock, Okehampton and Exeter City Centre.
Inspector Arthurs added: “We’ve started to see a reduction in incidents of anti-social behaviour in Crediton and I’m confident that the introduction of the PSPO will allow us to take appropriate action to continue to reduce anti-social behaviour in the area.
“We are committed to keeping people in Crediton safe and ask that any anti-social behaviour continues to be reported to us.”
Concerns relating to anti-social behaviour should be reported to Devon and Cornwall Police by speaking with the local neighbourhood team, calling 101 or using the appropriate form on the force website. Always call 999 in an emergency or if a crime is in progress.
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