Devon & Cornwall Police are stepping up their patrols and cracking down on alcohol-fuelled antisocial behaviour (ASB) at a local park in response to concerns shared by local people in Plymouth.

As part of the police’s commitment to respond to issues across communities, officers visited over 300 homes in the Stonehouse area to gather information about crime to support their plans to target ASB and drug use. 

Police Inspector Greg Bridgett, who supported the visits to local residents, said: “One of the issues echoed across the community was around how people had started to feel uncomfortable visiting Patna Park. They shared experiences of seeing people drinking alcohol, which led to ASB. This included the use of offensive language, urinating in public, general disorder and littering smashed glass bottles on the pavement.

“It was clear that this behaviour was having an impact on people, with some residents avoiding the area. No one should feel like they cannot enjoy the public spaces they live nearby, and this behaviour will not be tolerated. Our officers will be taking a targeted approach to tackle it.”

Police officers will be carrying out additional patrols across the park, targeting different days and times. Officers will also be robust in their enforcement of the Public Space Protection Order (PSPO), which gives them the power to request individuals to stop drinking alcohol as well as the power to remove alcohol. Failure to comply could lead to arrest.

“We’re also encouraging people to call 999 if they see crime or ASB happening. This is an effective way for us to gather evidence and identify offenders responsible for this behaviour.”

Speaking on the impact of alcohol use in a public space, Insp Bridgett continued: “We know that alcohol use can lead to antisocial behaviour which can intimidate or scare other people, especially in a space where children play and people walk their dogs.

“The PSPO covers the area of the park, which means people are not allowed to drink alcohol there. This allows us to remove alcohol from people before a situation escalates.

“To be clear, officers will be focusing on individuals who are causing ASB as a result of drinking alcohol.

“The park is a space for everyone to enjoy and we will be targeting the few who choose to disrupt this peace.”

Insp Bridgett commented on the importance of listening to local people about issues that are impacting how safe they feel: “People’s voices are key to community policing. If we’re not listening to what matters to our communities, then the impact of what we’re doing isn’t going to be felt. The door-knocks were a vital piece of work to make sure we get it right for local people, so that they feel safe in the area they live.”

Individuals found to be causing a disturbance will be directed out of the PSPO zone. Failure to comply with a request to surrender the alcohol can lead to arrest.

You can report antisocial behaviour via the Devon & Cornwall Police website in a non-emergency. If crime or ASB is taking place, call 999.

Information can also be passed anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555111, or via their website.