Wolverhampton’s Bentley Bridge PSPO has been in force since March, and police say it is already being used against anti-social behaviour at the retail and leisure site. Inspector Emma Clark said teams are regularly patrolling the area and asking staff and the public to report incidents.
The three-year order gives police and partners extra powers in Bentley Bridge and around it, including the ability to move on groups of three or more people where there is reason to believe they are causing, or are likely to cause, ASB. It also allows officers to ask for face coverings to be removed where there is no legitimate reason for them to be worn.
Emma Clark on Bentley Bridge
Clark said the impact is already being felt by shoppers, visitors, businesses, stores and traders. “We know how much shoppers and visitors, as well as businesses, stores and traders, are impacted by those whose behaviour can be anti-social and unacceptable.”
She added that officers are working with local neighbourhood officers to identify, trace and deal with those involved. “We do not want people to have to tolerate this, and our teams are regularly patrolling Bentley Bridge with our local neighbourhood officers speaking to staff as well as members of the public to encourage the reporting of ASB, as we act to identify, trace and deal with those involved.”
Bentley Bridge PSPO powers
Police have already identified a number of breaches since March. In response, officers have issued warnings, and when those involved were under the age of 18, they carried out home visits with Wolverhampton ASB Team to speak directly with families.
Clark said the work also includes education. “Part of our work, alongside our partners, is about talking with young people to educate them around how the PSPO works and what that means for them, and potentially their families, if they breach it.” Officials have also written to parents of secondary-aged children via schools to let them know the PSPO is in place.
Safer Travel routes
Clark said officers are also focusing on bus routes, especially those between Wolverhampton city centre and Bentley Bridge. “Officers are also working with Safer Travel colleagues around monitoring and policing bus routes, especially those between Wolverhampton city centre and Bentley Bridge. And we continue to ask people to let us know about incidents of ASB, either by calling 101 or messaging on Live Chat on our website.”
Councillor Obaida Ahmed said Bentley Bridge is a major shopping and leisure destination and that the early signs are encouraging. “Bentley Bridge is an important destination for shopping and leisure, and it is vital that people feel safe and welcome when they visit.”
Obaida Ahmed on early signs
Ahmed said retailers, staff and visitors are seeing the benefits of the PSPO, alongside work with Safer Travel officers on the number 59 bus route. “The early signs are very encouraging, and we are pleased that retailers, staff and visitors are seeing the benefits of the PSPO, and the work we are doing in partnership with Safer Travel officers to address any concerns around anti-social behaviour on the number 59 bus route.”
For repeat breaches, police have already moved beyond warnings and family contact to diversionary activities. That leaves the question of how many breaches have been logged since March, and how often the stronger enforcement steps have had to be used.
