Special police powers in Sutton Coldfield town centre after ‘anti-social behaviour reports’
Police have been given special powers to move people on after reports of anti-social behaviour
Police have been given special powers in Sutton Coldfield town centre following reports of anti-social behaviour in the area.
Officers can move on those suspected of being involved in bad behaviour under a section 35 dispersal order.
The powers cover a stretch of the town from the cinema at Maney Corner, by Birmingham Road, to the college in Lichfield Road.
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They also include the Parade and a number of side roads either side, up to Sutton Park by Clifton Road on one side and Holland Road and Upper Holland Road on the other.
The move coincides with the break-up of schools and colleges for the Easter break – although police did not directly make the link.
The West Midlands force said: “We have introduced them following an increase in anti-social behaviour in and around Sutton town centre.”
The special powers will remain in place for 48 hours until Sunday afternoon, April 13.
They coincide with a big food festival event in the town’s Parade – but business group Visit Sutton Coldfield BID said there was no trouble at that event.
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BID manager Michelle Baker said: “We have no issues in the town at the food festival.
“We have police regularly patrolling the event. It has been absolutely brilliant.
“We have had really high footfall and the traders are doing really well.
“We are expecting a lot of people on Saturday.”
That event runs from 10am to 7pm today and Saturday and from 10am to 5pm on Sunday.
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Sgt Charlotte Price, from Sutton Coldfield Police, said: "We do not tolerate any kind of anti-social behaviour, and we have put the Section 35 dispersal in place to move anyone on who we believe may be causing problems.
"We will have extra officers in the area this evening and over the weekend to offer reassurance to the community.”
A police spokesperson said: “Witnesses or anyone with information should contact us via Live Chat on our website or by calling 101 quoting 1637 of 11 April.
“Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.”