Operation Spurn targets anti-social behaviour

Officers in Middleton have been clamping down on anti-social behaviour throughout the district.

Operation Spurn is the work of a dispersal order that was granted under section 30 of the Anti Social Behaviour Act 2003.

The order was made following complaints from the local community of anti-social and nuisance behaviour including criminal damage and under-age drinking in the area.

It gives officers the power to move people away from an area when in groups of two or more. The individuals are unable to return for up to 24 hours.

The order also enables officers to move youths under 16 engaged in anti-social behaviour to their home address or a place of safety.

The maximum penalty for those refusing to move is three months imprisonment and/or a £5,000 fine.

Public reassurance was a major part of the operation, and Officers from the Neighbourhood Policing Team took to the streets to conduct high visibility patrols as well as on foot, bike and in Police patrol vehicles. Additional resources were used at peak times on Friday and Saturday evenings.

It resulted in 11 arrests for a number of offences including, theft, taking without consent, drunk and disorderly behaviour and two further arrests after re-entering the area after previously being moved.

There were also 136 people stopped and searched and 25 people formally dispersed.

Sergeant Peter Hargreaves of Middleton’s Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “The operation has been a great success and initial talks with residents in the communities affected has been that it has had the desired positive effect.

“It is also thanks to the work we have been doing with our partner agencies such as youth services, the legal enforcement team and the housing association that helps us in reinforcing our good work. Without their help none of this work would be as successful.”

During the operation several off-licences had their licenses reviewed. The Co–op late shop at Kenyon Lane had its licence revoked for three months and the Corner shop at Baytree Lane, had its licence fully revoked. Both off licences are in the centre of the hot spot area.

Sergeant Hargreaves said: “Our figures show that since October there has been a 42 per cent drop in the number incidents of rowdy or inconsiderate behaviour as well as a 44 per cent drop in the number of youth related incidents, which is great news for everyone in the community.

“We would now like to see this number even further reduced and with our continued good work and support of residents we look forward to seeing this happen.”