Special Measures Tackle Anti-social Behaviour In Wheatley

POLICE and South Oxfordshire District Council have signed a dispersal order to tackle anti-social behaviour in an area of Wheatley.
Officers have been gathering information to establish where the main problems are and have been canvassing local residents to find out what issues most affect them. Vandalism, graffiti, littering, abusive or threatening behaviour and loud music coming from cars have all been reported by local residents, as well as cars being driven in an anti-social manner.

There has been over a 30% rise in reports of anti-social behaviour in the area between January and June when compared with the previous year. Local residents were asked what they thought of the situation and 27 of the 33 who responded to a questionnaire said that anti-social behaviour is getting worse.

The areas identified from the survey as being hotspots for antisocial behaviour were High Street, Church Road recreation area, Wheatley Primary School, Wheatley Park School, Moreland Close, The Park Sports Centre and Crown Square. Local shop keepers have told their local beat officer that anti-social behaviour is affecting business.

The dispersal order will run from 25 September for six months. Its gives police powers to move groups away from the designated area. It will be enforced between 5pm and 6am each day. Where two or more people are acting in an anti-social way, or officers have reason to believe they may do so, then officers can ask them to leave the dispersal area. If they refuse or return within 24 hours they are liable for arrest and prosecution.

Pat Dawe, who is responsible for community safety at South Oxfordshire District Council welcomed the joint working between the police and the council to introduce the dispersal order. She said: ”The residents and traders of Wheatley have been experiencing significant problems of anti-social behaviour for a long time. We cannot allow this to continue to blight people’s lives and I have no doubt that this is most appropriate action to take.?

PC Paul Gregory, area beat officer, said: ?It has previously been difficult for police to deal with this sort of behaviour, especially with under 18?s, but the dispersal order gives us specific powers to deal with the culprits, particularly those who persistently cause nuisance to others.

?We can use the order alongside other measures such as Anti-social Behaviour Orders (ASBOs). It helps us work in partnership with the council and the community to stop anti-social behaviour in the areas affected.

?Orders have been extremely successful elsewhere and we are committed to ensure this order has a very positive effect for the community and businesses in the area.?