Catapult ban could be introduced in Downton
Wiltshire Council looking at introducing Public Space Protection Order
Efforts to tackle criminal damage and anti social behaviour in Downton are being stepped up.
The village and surrounding areas have been plagued with incidents involving catapults with vehicles and property targeted over the last two years.
Last month three windows on a Salisbury Reds bus with school children on board were broken after a catapult was fired at it.
Wiltshire Council is now looking at introducing a Public Space Protection Order to prevent the carrying of catapults in public.
Leader Richard Clewer, who is also the councillor for Downton and Ebble ward, says it's been requested by Police
He's raised the issues locals have been enduring with the force and the Police and Crime Commissioner and says it's vital residents keep reporting any concerns.
"In my view the only way that we are going to make headway over criminal damage and anti social behaviour is to continue to report every incident, provide the police with any relevant CCTV and to make Downton a hostile environment to this sort of behaviour. If evidence is gathered then the police will be able to proceed with prosecutions."
Mr Clewer added;
"I have been assured that the police will always review all reports and if deemed part of a series or if they identify a possible line of investigation, the team will seek to carry that out."
The police are planning 6 consultation dates over the next 12 weeks outside the Co-op in the village.
The first dates of the consultations are:
• Thursday 13th January 930am -11am
• Monday 7th February 6pm -730pm
• Friday 11th February 3.30pm– 5pm
"If you want to discuss recent events with them, provide them with information or get a better understanding of what is going on and how we can all help I would urge you to go along to one of those sessions. Further dates will be provided once they are finalised."
Police have carried out targeted patrols in the village and Mr Clewer says those will continue_'where possible' w_hilst work continues into a recent spate of burglaries from sheds and outbuildings.