EIGHTEEN people were arrested during a month-long campaign to tackle anti-social behaviour in Warrington town centre.

During June, officers from the Warrington beat management team targeted those causing anti-social behaviour in the town centre during the day or evening.

Inspector Neil Drum, from Warrington LPU, said: “The operation is part of ongoing problem solving work focusing on those regularly engaged in street drinking and use of Non-Psychoactive Substances, which tends to lead to problems with anti-social behaviour.

“Our month-long crackdown is just the start and has been successful in deterring anti-social behaviour. I hope it reassures the community that we have listened and we are taking this seriously.

"We want everyone to enjoy our town centre and everything it has to offer, but we understand anti-social behavior from a small number of people can have a detrimental effect and we are determined to address this.”

Police say 18 arrests were made for various offences from robbery and theft to drunk and disorderly offences, and 37 ‘advisory’ letters were issued to people street drinking contrary to the Public Space Protection Order (PSPO). Five fixed penalty notices were issued for PSPO breaches and 15 dispersal notices were issued.

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Inspecter Drum added: “This isn’t the end of our efforts, we are committed to tacking the issue and will continue to work with our partners to find solutions to deter repeat offenders.”

Anyone who witnesses anti-social behaviour in Warrington town centre should contact police on 101 or visitcheshire.police.uk/contact/general-enquiries/.