Order to tackle anti-social behaviour in Wolverhampton 'has had positive impact already' - council and police
An order brought in to help tackle anti-social behaviour in Wolverhampton city centre has been hailed a success so far by council bosses.
The Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) introduced in July last year is already having a positive impact, they say, with a 16 per cent reduction in recorded crime, and robberies halved.
The order covers the whole of Wolverhampton city centre inside the main ring road and will remain in place for three years, subject to regular six-monthly reviews - it gives police the authority to break up groups and order people to remove face coverings.
It also gives West Midlands Police and Wolverhampton Council powers to ask groups of three or more people to vacate the area if there is reason to believe they are causing, or are likely to cause, a nuisance, threat or alarm to others.
Superintendent Martin Hurcomb from Wolverhampton Police said it has made "a real difference" and was part of a collective response to tackle crime.
He said: "We, working with our partners at the council and specifically the community safety team, are completely committed to providing a safe space within the city centre, where members of the public can feel confident that crime, including anti-social behaviour, is prioritised and proactively tackled.
"The PSPO has already shown it can make a real difference and is part of our collective response to drive down crime, like the Government's Safer Streets initiative over the summer months targeting anti-social behaviour within high streets.
Councillor Obaida Ahmed, cabinet member for health, wellbeing and community, said the orders do not impact law-abiding people who "can continue to use and enjoy public spaces, safe from the threat of anti-social behaviour or nuisance".
She said: "Public Space Protection Orders are designed to ensure the law abiding majority can continue to use and enjoy public spaces, safe from the threat of anti-social behaviour or nuisance.
“These results demonstrate the effectiveness of the order in making the city centre a safer and more welcoming place for residents, businesses, and visitors."
