Crackdown on Lyneham yobs
Swindon Advertiser
www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk
18th January 2008
by Ben Perrin
LYNEHAM police are using new dispersal order powers to crack down on anti-social behaviour. They have already issued six youths with direction to leave notices within the last week, with half of them then arrested for breaching the application.

Police say youngsters congregate around the village shops, just off Calne Road, and are regularly seen drinking and shouting abuse at passers-by.

PC Jarra Brown, of Wootton Bassett police, said: "Anti-social behaviour is probably the biggest complaint in society. So I think this is a positive piece of legislation which will enhance the quality of living here. It came into force at the start of this year. Time will tell if these deterrents work."

The order will prohibit youngsters from returning to the area for up to 48 hours. It is has been introduced to bring peace to residents at weekends.

PC Steve Porter, the community beat officer for Wootton Bassett, said: "This is another power given to the neighbourhood to combat anti-social behaviour. When we issued these for the first time the youths thought it was a joke and didn't take it seriously.

"I think it sunk in when they were arrested for breaching the order and taken to Melksham police station. Binge drinking is our number one priority and is an ongoing issue in Lyneham."

The direction to leave scheme has a traffic light system, with red being the critical level for repeat offences.

Repeat offenders could face court action and a possible anti-social behaviour order. Confidence in the community appears to be growing from this order," added Police Community Support Officer Andy Singfield. They are encouraging the community to work with them. Parents are being urged to take responsibility for children's bad behaviour after new figures showed complaints of antisocial behaviour increasing.

If you spot any anti-social behaviour in Lyneham call the Police on 0845 408 7000