Operation a success (From Tewkesbury Admag)
Get involved! Send your photos, video, news & views by texting EJ NEWS to 80360 or e-mail us
Operation a success
12:27pm Thursday 5th October 2006 in News
GLOUCESTERSHIRE police teamed up with Ministry of Defence Police (MDP) on Saturday to crackdown on crime and anti-social behaviour in Tewkesbury.
Four MDP officers from the Ashchurch army base joined 13 Gloucestershire police and community support officers in Operation No Respite.
Aimed at deterring criminals and reducing anti-social behaviour, the initiative involved extra patrols throughout the town. The force helicopter was also in action.
The MDP's Sergeant Calvin Tonks and three PCs confiscated alcohol from 16 under-age drinkers, aged between 15 and 17 during patrols of the town centre.
They also issued Public Order Act warnings to 12 youths who used loud, aggressive and obscene language. The warnings enable police to arrest recipients who continue to behave anti-socially.
Officers also seized a considerable quantity of alcohol from other young people in the town during the afternoon and evening. They visited nine pubs and off-licences reminding managers of their responsibilities under the new licensing laws.
Other PCs responded to complaints of `cruisers' gathering in the Gloucester Road car park. They issued several Vehicle Defect Recifitfication notices. The drivers must now get their vehicle's fault repaired within 14 days or face prosecution. Other drivers were ordered to produce their documents and one motorist was cautioned for driving without a licence.
The helicopter's search-light was used to help officers on the ground to deal with a group of youths who had gathered on the Ham and were drinking contrary to the alcohol ban. A large quantity of alcohol was seized from them and poured away. The group then dispersed.
A 16-year-old boy from the town was also arrested for disorderly conduct at about 8pm.
Sergeant Mark Stephens of Tewkesbury police who led the operation, said: "The aim of this operation was to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour in the area and it was very successful in doing just that."
