Police tackling anti-social behaviour in Devon
An order to tackle alcohol-related incidents of anti-social behaviour has been introduced in West Devon towns this week
Last updated 11th Jun 2025
Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) have been formally introduced in the West Devon towns of Okehampton and Tavistock this week, aiming to tackle rising concerns over alcohol-related anti-social behaviour.
From Tuesday 10 June, West Devon Borough Council has implemented the PSPOs, granting police and authorised officers enhanced powers under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.
The orders allow authorities to disperse individuals involved in disorderly conduct and confiscate alcohol from those drinking in public spaces before situations escalate.
Visible signage has been installed to inform residents and visitors of the new restrictions, which are now fully enforceable, including:
- No aggressive begging
- No urinating or defecating in public areas
- No behaviour deemed anti-social by officers
Anyone found breaching these restrictions can be asked to leave the area and prohibited from returning for up to 24 hours. Additionally, officers can issue fixed penalty notices of up to £1,000.
Sgt Thomas Ottley, who leads neighbourhood policing in Okehampton and Tavistock, said: “The introduction of the Public Space Protection Orders will help us to prevent anti-social behaviour and associated crimes from happening in Okehampton and Tavistock.
“A PSPO was already in place in Tavistock but was limited to the meadows area. This unfortunately displaced the problem into the town centre and residential areas. By extending the order to cover the whole of Tavistock, we can now enforce consistently across the town.”
Sgt Ottley added that early indications suggest a drop in anti-social behaviour across West Devon and expressed confidence that the new powers will help continue this trend.
“We are committed to keeping people living in, working in, and visiting West Devon safe. We ask the public to report any anti-social behaviour they witness to us.”