Public Space Protection Orders put in place to tackle anti-social behaviour in West Devon

An order to tackle alcohol-related incidents of anti-social behaviour has been introduced in West Devon towns this week.

On Tuesday 10 June, Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) have been introduced in both Okehampton and Tavistock by West Devon Borough Council, giving police and other authorised officers extra powers to tackle antisocial behaviour and street drinking.

Authorised under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, the order will allow the police and authorised officers to disperse individuals who are causing a nuisance or disorder, and the power to remove alcohol from people who are drinking on the streets before a situation escalates.

With visible signage now in place which explains behaviours that could be be considered a violation of the order, the PSPO is now enforceable across both towns.

Sgt Thomas Ottley who heads up neighbourhood teams in Okehampton and Tavistock has played a key role in implementing the orders. He said: “The introduction of the Public Space Protection Orders will help us to prevent anti-social behaviour and associated crimes from happening in Okehampton and Tavistock.

“A Public Space Protection Order was already in place in Tavistock but only covered the meadows area, which resulted in alcohol-related anti-social behaviour issues being pushed into the town centre and surrounding residential areas.

“We recognised this was an issue for our community and worked with the council to extend the PSPO to cover the whole of Tavistock, which means we can police the area more consistently throughout all areas of the town.”

In the restricted area, people are asked to follow instructions and give up certain items if asked. Instructions include:

People found to be in breach of the restrictions can be asked to leave the area and not return for 24 hours.

Officers may also issue a fixed penalty notice of up to £1000 to anyone they believe has committed an offence.

Sgt Ottley added: “We’ve started to see a reduction in incidents of anti-social behaviour in West Devon and I’m confident that the introduction of the PSPOs will allow officers to take appropriate action and continue to reduce anti-social behaviour in the area.

“We are committed to keeping people living in, working in and visiting West Devon safe and ask that any anti-social behaviour is reported to us.”

Concerns relating to anti-social behaviour should be reported to Devon & Cornwall Police by speaking with the local neighbourhood team, calling 101 or using the appropriate form on the force website. Always call 999 in an emergency or if a crime is in progress. 

To keep up to date with the latest news in West Devon, follow the Okehampton and Tavistock teams on Facebook.