City centre ASB crackdown returns this summer

A crackdown operation at anti-social behaviour (ASB) hotspots in Gloucester city centre is returning this summer after a successful operation last year.

Op Ebrius, a proactive partnership operation which tackled alcohol-related ASB in 2023, is running again in 2024.

Gloucestershire Constabulary, Solace and Gloucester CitySafe will once again work together to patrol the city centre and take a zero-tolerance approach to alcohol-related nuisance. Officers will be enforcing the ‘Alcohol-Free Zone’ Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) and using policing and anti-social behaviour powers to deal with persistent offenders.

The operation will also include work with support agencies who can offer help with housing, drug and alcohol support and other needs that are identified through proactive engagement with people who are causing ASB.

Patrols started last month and will run throughout the summer until the end of September.

Last summer’s campaign resulted in 1,302 offers of support being made and 563 bottles and cans of alcohol being confiscated.

As well as seizing alcohol, the team referred vulnerable people to support agencies including housing and substance misuse support.

Members of the Solace Anti-Social Behaviour Team were also successful in obtaining several Anti-Social Behaviour Injunctions against those intent on continuing with their negative behaviours.

These injunctions allow officers to manage the behaviours of the worst offenders where other attempts at intervention have been unsuccessful.

Residents, visitors to the city centre and businesses are all encouraged to report any issues to the police so that patrols can be directed accordingly.

Last year, as a result of the operation, there was a swift reduction in anti-social behaviour incidents and no displacement of problems to other areas.

Inspector Ash Gardner, from Gloucestershire Constabulary, said: "This is another fantastic example of the ongoing partnership work in the city to tackle anti-social behaviour.

“It is down to the strong partnerships that exist in the city that this operation was such a success last year.

“We continue to listen to the concerns which the public raises around these issues of anti-social behaviour and have made it clear to persistent offenders that we will not tolerate anyone who is intent on causing harm.

"Those who live, work and visit our city have a right to enjoy a safe and pleasant environment. We will continue to offer support where appropriate and will take enforcement action whenever necessary to stop these problems from escalating.”

City Safe Manager Steve Lindsay said: "Operation Ebrius was launched to tackle the effects of anti-social behaviour in Gloucester City, including street drinking and begging, and it has made a significant positive difference.

"It was clear something needed to be done to address the feedback from the business community and visitors to our city who were affected by this.

"Everyone has made a significant difference to the lives of many vulnerable people and supported the local community in tackling several highlighted anti-social behaviour issues.

"We will not rest on our laurels and if you have any concerns then please report it to the police or Solace."

Emily Gibbon, from Gloucester BID, said: “Businesses and visitors to our city centre are consistently tell us that anti-social behaviour is one of their top concerns. Over the last couple of months, we have witnessed and experienced an increase in drink and drug related anti-social behaviour, where people have been seen fighting, drinking, taking drugs and causing a nuisance in the street, partially on Southgate Street.

“Last year Op Ebrius was launched which worked together with our partners to try to resolve issues and ensure that everyone feels safe in our city centre. By working together with our partners, and repeating Op Ebrius again this year we're sending a clear message that antisocial behaviour will not be tolerated and that we are ready to play our part in supporting this much needed operation.”