More police needed in town centre, force admits

Warwickshire Police says it needs to "redouble" the amount of effort in Nuneaton town centre in order to address anti-social behaviour.

The assessment comes six months after the force issued a public space protection order (PSPO) in Nuneaton to give officers more powers to tackle the issue.

The order aims to reduce the number of loitering groups, people cycling, scooting or skateboarding in a dangerous manner and those said to be wearing face coverings in a threatening way. However, residents say the problems seem to be getting worse.

Insp Ryan Walker said he recognised a heightened police presence was needed and said some efforts had not been "as effective as we would have liked".

One resident, who only wanted to be known as Simone, told the BBC she would not go into the town centre in the evening on her own anymore.

''That's how bad it's got,'' she said.

She described how big groups of teenagers, who sometimes wore masks or balaclavas, were ''regularly meeting up in groups" and said many were riding e-scooters and e-bikes in a dangerous way.

She added anti-social behaviour would be less of an issue if there were "more visible police".

Insp Walker said a new town centre officer had started patrolling and the local Business Improvement District was in the process of bringing in town wardens to help "gather evidence and support businesses".

Warwickshire Police also introduced dispersal powers in Nuneaton in June last year after a spate of crimes, which included the fatal stabbing of 17-year-old Tom Ellis outside a shopping centre.

The PSPO issued by the force in January was put in place for three years.

Business owner Amina Rai, who runs a Nepalese grocery shop in the town, said it could be ''scary'' for her staff and customers when big groups gathered outside.

Ms Rai claimed she had caught some young people shoplifting but said she felt "too frightened" to confront them.

"Anti-social behaviour appears to be getting worse," she added.

She said a higher police presence could deter the groups and make people feel safe.

Insp Walker said the force had also started monthly "street briefings" with the council and police and crime commissioner, which involved visiting businesses to find out their concerns.

He added Operation Resolve, which placed more officers in anti-social behaviour hotspots over the past year, had recorded a 3% decrease in problem activity in targeted areas of Nuneaton.

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