Police get new power to tackle anti-social gangs in Coventry

[dutchman]

The order will give police the power to move on groups of two or more



A new police power in Coventry has gone live – enabling officers to move on groups of two or more people if they believe them to be causing trouble.

Coventry City Council approved the new Public Space Protect Order (PSPO) at a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, June 11, after unanimous backing.

It gives police the power to move on groups whose behaviour “has or is likely to have a detrimental effect on the quality of life of those in the community”.

The area covers a large area including the whole of the city centre, along with parts of Stoke, Cheylesmore, Coundon, Foleshill and Hillfields.

Those that fail to comply will be given ‘breach notice’ and a £100 fine reduced to £60 if it is paid within 14 days, or court action after.

Action has been taken as the city grapples with a 20 per cent increase in violent crime in the last 12 months, and a particular increase in knife crime.

There has also been a spike in gang related activity, drug dealing, and the exploitation of children for criminal purposes and sexual exploitation.

Previously discussing the order, Mike O’Hara also revealed the force is contending with a particular uplift in violence between two known city gangs – with this order giving them some power to address the issues.

The order covers St Michaels ward and a varied area of the city centre including, the Canal Basin, Gosford Green, Hillfields, Radford, Sherbourne, Lower Stoke and the lower section of Foleshill.

Councillors have previously claimed some areas of the city are now a “no-go zone”.

[rebbonk]

This is pathetic and all down to a lack of proper policing.