Police pour booze down drains in Tettenhall Road lout behaviour blitz

Officers have stepped up patrols in and around Tettenhall Road in Wolverhampton following an increase in reports of drunken and abusive behaviour.

As part of the crackdown, officers from Park ward's Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) have targeted street drinkers, with those seen openly consuming alcohol on the highway being handed a Designated Public Place Order (DPPO). This gives officers the power to confiscate booze and tip it away.

Warnings have also gone out to local stores that if they sell alcohol to drunk customers they run the risk of losing their licences.

Park ward Councillor Craig Collingswood said he was pleased to see police taking action to try and reduce anti-social behaviour in the area.

"Residents raised concerned about the number of incidents, so to see police actively removing alcohol from offenders is a real positive step. It's important for people to feel safe in the streets. Anyone can go and get drunk, but it doesn't mean the rest of us have to tolerate unpleasant behaviour.

"The police are also continuing to provide extra daily patrols of hotspot areas, which can only help reduce the number of problems."

Councillor Collingwood has joined police in urging members of the public to report any instances of anti-social behaviour to the authorities.

At a meeting at the Vauxhall Tenants Room last month attended by residents, councillors and police officers, a number of complaints were made about inappropriate behaviour on the streets. Yet police say that very little crime is either reported or recorded in the area.

Councillor Collingswood added: "Part of the problem is that often people don't report incidents so there is no record of anything having happened.

"For the police to take action they need the public to come forward.

"I would join police in encouraging anyone who witnesses anti-social behaviour to report it immediately."

Sergeant Kevin Whitehouse, from Park ward's NPT said his team are also targeting anti-social behaviour in West Park, with foot and cycle patrols increased and officers working with park rangers and the Wolverhampton ASB team to identify regular and persistent offenders.

He added: "These parks are there to be enjoyed by everyone and we will patrol on a regular basis to ensure that it stays that way."

Anyone witnessing anti-social behaviour across the city can call police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.