Press release issued on behalf of the Dover District Community Safety Partnership
Officers from Kent Police and Dover District Council, including the Community Policing Team and Police Community Support Officers have stepped up patrols in Pencester Gardens in Dover to clamp down on the harm of anti-social behaviour caused by street drinking. To date, the team have issued 23 Community Protection Notice Warnings and 4 Community Protection Notices as a result of the increased enforcement activity.
A Community Protection Notice (CPN) can be served under the Crime and Policing Act 2014 if the conduct of an individual aged 16 or over, or a body such as a business, is unreasonable and is having a detrimental effect on the local community’s quality of life.
Inspector Stuart Norris of Kent Police said: “We understand the local community’s frustration with street drinking in Pencester Gardens. Through the Dover District Community Safety Partnership we’re working on all fronts to address the issue. We’ve identified a hard core of persistent street drinkers who are the focus for a targeted campaign. Dover District Council officers are offering support, such as housing, or help with mental health and addiction issues. But we’re quite clear that for those who don’t seek help, we will take a tough line where their behaviour gets out of hand.
“A joint DDC and Kent Police licencing team is also targeting the businesses that sell alcohol to people who have already had too much to drink. They too have a responsibility and we’re reminding of that.”
Cllr MJ Holloway, Dover District Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Safety, said: “We’re committed to working with the Police and other partner agencies to address the issue of street drinking. It’s a scourge of many town and city centres, and is often linked to problems with addiction and mental health.
“We’ll continue to provide help and support for the vulnerable, but those who persist in their bad behaviour will be dealt with by the police.”
Posted on 22 November 2018