Three more parts of the district now have designation orders in
effect from today (August 18) to help police deal with local
problems caused by people drinking in the streets.
The signs have been erected to mark out the new zones in Wickham
Market, Saxmundham and Kelsale-cum-Carlton, as well as changes to
areas in Felixstowe.
“I am pleased to announce that these new zones are now
officially places where the police have more powers to tackle those
who are drinking in public and acting anti-socially,” said Cllr
Sherrie Green, Cabinet Member for Community Health
“The town and parish councils of these areas recognised the need
to create these designated zones, which mean that in those areas
the police can deal with anyone misbehaving or acting in an
anti-social manner while drinking alcohol and seize any in their
possession.
“We have already introduced similar restrictions in Felixstowe,
Leiston, Woodbridge, Framlingham, Kesgrave, Martlesham and Rushmere
St Andrew and they have helped the police improve the quality of
life for those who live there. As well as the introduction of three
new orders, the changes to the ones in Felixstowe that were made
after listening to the public, the town council and the police have
also come into effect,” added Cllr Green.
In designated areas the police have the power to require someone
whose behaviour is deemed to be anti-social to stop drinking the
alcohol in their possession and, if requested, hand over the drink.
Failure to comply is an arrestable offence, with a potential fine
of up to £500.
“A substantial proportion of crime and disorder is linked to
alcohol abuse and these orders will give the police additional
powers to tackle the minority who act in an anti-social manner
after having too much to drink. This Council supports designation
orders like these and partnership campaigns like Operation
Nightsafe which are aimed at encouraging sensible drinking and
better behaviour,” added Cllr Green.
The orders have been made under Section 13 (2) of the Criminal
Justice and Police Act 2001 which means that within the designated
areas, a police officer who reasonably believes that a person has
consumed or intends to consume alcohol may require that person not
to do so, require him or her to surrender anything which the police
officer reasonably believes to be alcohol, and dispose of any item
which has been
surrendered.