Police to step up bus station patrols (From The Northern Echo)

Police to step up bus station patrols

10:29am Wednesday 8th February 2012 in Stanley News

POLICE are to crackdown on anti-social behaviour in a bus station after more than 100 complaints from the public.

Police say they are to stage extra patrols in Stanley bus station and also the town’s Front Street after a glut of calls complaining about the behaviour of young people congregating in the area.

Police Community Support Officer Dan Brennan said "direction to leave" notices will be issued to youths found under the influence of alcohol.

Anyone given such as notice is not allowed to return to the area within 24 hours or face arrest.

He said: "Officers also have banning notices at their disposal and youths behaving in an anti-social manner could be issued with one of those.

"Once issued, these orders apply for the following 12 months, which could affect individuals wanting to use the bus station during travel with parents or while travelling to and from school.

"Anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated and we will take action to resolve any concerns raised by members of the public."

Police say they have logged more than 100 calls since January last year complaining about youths behaving in an intimidating and offensive manner towards members of the public.

They say they will be working with Durham County Council and other agencies over the next few months to deal with the problem.

Anyone wishing to report concerns should call police on the new non-emergency number 101.