Plymouth police tackle anti-social behaviour

Plymouth police are to crackdown on groups of youths who have been intimidating the public and business owners in the area around Plymouth’s waterfront.

Insp Robin Loveridge said: “We are seeing once again a rise in levels of anti-social behaviour which is not only having an impact on police resources but an impact on members of the public and business owners in the area.  Our local businesses are currently being blighted by the behaviour of these youths.  Property has been damaged and public order offences have been committed.  We have had reports of threatening behaviour, criminal damage and reckless behaviour. A café owner reported his sign being thrown into the sea and people climbing up a live electricity cable from the sea onto the walled hoe area are just a few examples.

“PCSOs have been intimidated and members of the public have been caused harassment and distress due to the poor attitude being displayed by these individuals who congregate in large groups.  This will not be tolerated and robust action will be taken against anybody committing criminal acts or acting in an antisocial way which could lead to a criminal conviction.  We will use a variety of different tools to tackle these issues.

Police will also be breaking up groups with the use of dispersal powers under S35 Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime & Policing Act 2014, to remove those causing problems in the area