Revellers have been warned Police will be calling ‘closing time’ on drink related disorder this summer, in a bid to continue cutting anti social behaviour.
Officers from the Keighley Neighbourhood Policing Team have warned they will take a very dim view of those causing disorder through alcohol as pub beer gardens fill up over the summer.
Police have made the new warning now to mark the start of the summer season which can see a general increase in daytime alcohol consumption due to better weather and the use of beer gardens.
Those caught misbehaving can expect to face arrests, £80 fines or harsher penalties and potentially the start of ASBO proceedings to bar them from areas they have caused problems in.
Recent action by the NPT to target alcohol related issues has included the arrest of a man for drink driving on Saturday on and the arrest of a woman in Pearl Street Keighley on Monday.
Officers arrested the woman for drunk and disorderly behaviour and gave her an adult caution.
The new warning follows a pronounced fall in anti social behaviour rates in Keighley last summer which saw the number of calls received drop 30 per cent between April 2010 and October.
The NPT have also worked closely with the areas PubWatch to take action against trouble causers and have recently warned persistent street drinkers they face being banned from the town.
Patrols by NPT officers in town centre street drinking hotspots were increased from last year in response to public concern and ASBO proceedings are underway against individuals.
Sgt Andy Simpson of the Keighley Neighbourhood Policing Team said the team wanted to repeat last summer’s success which saw drink related crime decline.
He said: “We have succeeded in reducing anti social behaviour substantially in Keighley over the past 12 months and want to make sure this decline continues over this summer.
“Tackling drink related issues in the town, and particularly in the centre is a priority for our residents and we will be taking a very dim view of those who commit crime influenced by alcohol.
The sergeant said officers hoped good natured revellers enjoyed the weather over the next few months, but wanted to make clear that alcohol consumption would not be seen as an excuse for poor behaviour.
“We work closely with partners in PubWatch and want to ensure those who want to enjoy the summer sunshine, with or without a drink, can do so safely without being threatened or intimidated by those seeking to cause trouble,” he added.
