The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
Spalding’s police inspector has urged people to report anti-social behaviour and street drinking after a snapshot survey suggested more than a third would not bother to call it in.
Insp Jim Tyner said it is important that bad behaviour linked to street drinking was reported as the information could be used to allocate resources and plan future efforts to tackle the issues.
Insp Tyner carried out an “unsophisticated” poll on social media site Twitter, asking his followers a series of questions regarding the problems of street drinking in Spalding town centre.
The survey was limited to 100 responses and there was no regulation as to how many times people could take part.
Insp Tyner said: “As well as being frustrated that 35 per cent of those who voted wouldn’t call the police if they saw anti-social behaviour linked to street drinking, I am also disappointed that 65 per cent did not think that street drinking had reduced since last year.
“I have to take note of this but it is at odds with what I hear when I talk to traders in town.
“We have fewer calls from members of the public compared to last year and our patrols are finding fewer drinkers.
“I don’t think for one minute that we have eradicated street drinking, but I had hoped that people had noticed an improvement.”
The survey also suggested that 64 per cent of respondents do not have confidence that the town’s police are dealing with anti-social behaviour linked to street drinking – an accusation which Insp Tyner believes is “unfair”.
Officers carry out patrols in known “hotspots” – but that relies on incidents being reported so informed decisions can be made.
Insp Tyner said: “Every officer at Spalding knows my expectations and patrols are carried out every day.
“You will sometimes see headlines proclaiming ‘extra patrols’. There are no extra officers, so to increase patrols in one area is always at the expense of other areas.
“I have always said that it is not me, but our community, who will decide whether we are successful in reducing street drinking.
“Based on this survey, those that voted felt strongly that street drinking remains an issue.
“I want everyone to have confidence that I am listening and my officers will continue to tackle street drinking.”
Insp Tyner said new laws being introduced in October, although not allowing for a total ban on drinking, will give PCSOs and council officers more powers to tackle street drinking and work is already being carried out by partner agencies to plan how it can be used to address community concerns.
