Central Harbour

Alcohol.

PC Oram and PC Brown have been proactively using powers available under the town centre's Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) to tackle street drinking and the antisocial behaviour associated with it. A PSPO is a legal order introduced by the local council that places restrictions on certain activities in a specific area to help address persistent issues that affect the local community. Officers have carried out regular patrols and engagement with people involved in street drinking and have taken action where breaches of the PSPO have been identified.

This work has resulted in Fixed Penalty Notices being issued for certain offences, as well as Community Protection Notices (CPNs) for individuals who continued to engage in antisocial behaviour. A CPN is a formal warning designed to stop behaviour that is having a negative impact on the community. If the behaviour continues, further enforcement action can be taken. These powers have helped disrupt problematic behaviour, provide visible reassurance, and address concerns raised by local businesses, residents and visitors.

PC Oram and PC Brown will continue targeted patrols in locations where issues are reported and will use appropriate powers to help prevent antisocial behaviour and improve feelings of safety in the area. They will also continue to work closely with the local council to support the ongoing PSPO and explore further ways to reduce the impact of street drinking on the community.

Antisocial behaviour - nuisance.

PC Brown and PC Oram continue to make tackling antisocial behaviour a priority. They carry out visible foot patrols in areas where concerns have been reported, supported by specialist neighbourhood officers in locations with ongoing problems. Dispersal powers have been used in the town centre to require people causing, or likely to cause, harassment, alarm or distress to leave the area for a set time. Officers also use Community Protection Warnings and Community Protection Notices where appropriate.

A warning tells someone to stop behaviour that is having a harmful effect on the community, while a notice sets out legal steps they must follow. Failure to follow a notice can lead to a fine or court action. Fixed Penalty Notices have been issued, and persistent offenders have been charged and required to attend court. PC Brown, PC Oram and their colleagues have also seized a number of e-scooters and e-bikes being used illegally. Residents are encouraged to report concerns at local ward surgeries or through My Community Voice, as this information helps officers target patrols and take action where it is needed most.

Drug dealing.

PC Brown and PC Oram have been carrying out targeted patrols and stop searches in areas where concerns about drug-related activity have been reported. A stop search is a power that allows officers to search someone if they have reasonable grounds to suspect they may be carrying illegal drugs, weapons or other prohibited items. This proactive work has led to the seizure of cannabis and other prohibited items, helping to remove drugs from the community and disrupt criminal activity.

The patrols have also allowed officers to engage with individuals suspected of being involved in offending and antisocial behaviour. Where offences have been identified, positive action has been taken, including arrests and further investigations. Through a combination of visible policing, intelligence-led activity and community engagement, PC Brown and PC Oram continue to tackle drug-related issues, deter offending and help make the area a safer place for residents, businesses and visitors.