Police in the seaside village of Polzeath, Cornwall, have been granted new powers to address disruptive behavior by young people on the popular beach. The measures allow Devon and Cornwall Police to send home or arrest individuals who do not leave when instructed.
The Neighbourhood Policing Team introduced a dispersal order to combat anti-social behavior (ASB), which has seen large, noisy groups gathering on the beach, leaving behind litter and causing distress. Parents have been urged to ensure their teenage children do not disrupt other residents.
Under the new powers, officers can ask individuals causing or likely to cause harassment, alarm, or distress to leave the area. Failure to comply can result in arrest or being sent home. Police will also confiscate alcohol from underage drinkers. High-visibility patrols are being conducted by local neighborhood officers during key times.
Inspector Adam Stonehill stated that the police aim not to spoil summer fun but to address the detrimental behavior of a few that impacts the community and local businesses. He noted an annual increase in holidaymakers correlating with a rise in evening anti-social incidents, often linked to teenagers gathering on the beach. Stonehill cited an incident on the evening of July 7 where a Beach Ranger's request for a large group to leave resulted in a hostile atmosphere.
The dispersal order covers the area from Greenaway Beach to Pentireglaze Haven and Robbie Love's Campsite. Once dispersed, individuals must leave the location and cannot return for up to 48 hours. The order, effective from July 8, is initially set to last until July 10 and may be extended if deemed necessary to prevent harassment, alarm, distress, or disorder.
Additionally, a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) is in effect in certain public areas of Cornwall, including Polzeath, prohibiting alcohol consumption. Violators of the PSPO may face alcohol confiscation, a fixed penalty notice, or a fine.