Police seek PSPO for Trowbridge town centre
It's a bid to tackle anti-social behaviour and street drinking in the town
Police in Trowbridge are seeking a Public Safety Protection Order in Trowbridge to tackle anti-social behaviour and street drinking in the town centre.
Similar orders have been implemented in Salisbury and Devizes.
Neighbourhood Inspector Ho Tsang says it would allow officers to have greater powers to combat anti-social behaviour.
"We are arresting and putting before the courts those who look to commit harm in our communities, such as an offender who was jailed for 28 months earlier this month for multiple robbery and theft offences," he said.
The Force is working alongside other agencies, including Trowbridge Town Council, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, Wiltshire Council and Connect, to tackle the issue.
Inspector Tsang said the issues are under-reported: "That’s why we are frequently engaging with the community and local businesses to ensure that if they witness a crime then it’s reported to us so we can take appropriate action.
“We will continue working with our partner agencies and the community to make Trowbridge as safe as possible for all.”
Inspector Tsang insists crime levels in the town are "relatively stable" but officers "appreciate the ongoing concern around anti-social behaviour in the town centre."
Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson said: "Listening to the issues raised by our communities and responding to their concerns is the prime function of my office and a key driver of this year’s Safer Streets Summer campaign.
"The Neighbourhood Policing Team in Trowbridge has already responded to a number of concerns raised by local residents and businesses, and they already have a comprehensive plan in place to resolve the underlying causes of anti-social behaviour, as well as tackle the anti-social behaviour (ASB) itself that we see in the town centre. The success of this plan will require working with the local council and a variety of charities supported by my office. A Public Space Protection Order issued by the Council will enable officers from Wiltshire Police and Wiltshire Council team to deal with ASB more effectively.
“It’s imperative that we work together to solve these problems within Trowbridge and that everyone involved, including the public, knows their role in making the town a safer place to live and work.”
Anyone who witnesses anti-social behaviour or has concerns about their area should contact Police by calling 101 or by emailing our local NPT team through the Your Area section of the Police website.