Anti-social behaviour powers lead to drop in crime

The order has contributed to a 16% reduction in recorded crime within Wolverhampton city centre, the council says (stock image)

Antisocial behaviour powers introduced in Wolverhampton city centre have contributed to a 16% reduction in recorded crime, with a 50% drop in robberies, officials said.

The Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) was brought in last July and gives police the authority to break up groups and order people to remove face coverings.

The order covers the whole of the city centre inside the main ring road and will remain in place for three years, subject to regular six-monthly reviews.

Supt Martin Hurcomb from Wolverhampton Police said it has made "a real difference" and was part of a collective response to tackle crime.

"We, working with our partners at the council and specifically the Community Safety Team, are completely committed to providing a safe space within the city centre, where members of the public can feel confident that crime, including anti-social behaviour, is prioritised and proactively tackled," he said.

Under the order, police can break up groups of three or more people if officers believe they are causing or likely to cause a nuisance, threat or alarm to others.

It also gives them powers to require people to remove face coverings if they do not have a good reason for wearing one.

Councillor Obaida Ahmed, cabinet member for health, wellbeing and community, said the orders do not impact law-abiding people who "can continue to use and enjoy public spaces, safe from the threat of anti-social behaviour or nuisance".

"These results demonstrate the effectiveness of the order in making the city centre a safer and more welcoming place for residents, businesses, and visitors," she added.