Wiltshire Police are keen to address street drinking concerns in Trowbridge – with a public consultation taking place on Thursday (17 July).
Multi-agency teams from Wiltshire Police and local councils will gather to address growing concerns raised by shoppers, and patrol the streets to see the issues first-hand.
Inspector Ho Tsang said: “Force data shows that crime levels in Trowbridge remain relatively stable. However, we appreciate the ongoing concern around anti-social behaviour in the town centre.”
They added that the teams will walk around the Fore Street and town centre areas for an hour from 2pm on Thursday, 17 July. This will be an opportunity for people to speak to officers about their concerns.
“We plan to engage as much as possible with the public, including businesses in the area,” Inspector Tsang said, adding that this was one of several measures being used to tackle street drinking in Trowbridge.
“As part of our approach to target issues like street drinking and youth anti-social behaviour, we have regular meetings and work closely with the town council and Wiltshire Council’s ASB team, and we are increasing our engagement in the town centre with regular hot spot patrols with a CCTV van.”
They are also hoping to use additional measures to help tackle the problems on a long-term basis.
“We are looking to implement a Public Safety Protection Order which would allow us greater powers to combat anti-social behaviour, and 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,” Inspector Tsang explained.
“We also work closely with local charities such as Turning Point which provide support to those looking to turn their life around.”
And Inspector Tsang called for the public to play their part by contacting Wiltshire Police if they see something that warrants attention.
“One of the issues we face is the under-reporting of incidents,” they said. “That’s why we are frequently engaging with the community and local businesses to ensure that if they witness a crime it is 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.”
Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson is backing the partnership-led approach, saying it is imperative that groups, the council, police officers, and the public work together.
“The Neighbourhood Policing Team in Trowbridge has already responded to several concerns raised by 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,” he said.
“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.
“The success of this plan will require working with the local council and a variety of charities supported by my office.”
Thursday’s initiative is part of a wider crackdown of anti-social behaviour across Wiltshire.
Trowbridge residents can report anti-social behaviour by calling 101 or contacting their Neighbourhood Policing Team via the ‘Your Area’ section of the Wiltshire Police website.
