Arrests For Public Order Offences

8 June 2010, 10:51 | Updated: 8 June 2010, 11:00

Police officers from Eastleigh have taken positive action against individuals who have been making life miserable for staff and customers at the McDonalds fast food restaurant in the Swan Centre in Eastleigh.

So far this year, seven people have been arrested and charged for public order offences and one has been arrested and reprimanded. 16 people, who police have identified as causing anti-social behaviour (ASB) either inside or within the vicinity of McDonalds, have been banned from entering the premises for 12 months.
 
Seven people have also been referred to the multi-agency anti-social behaviour panel and have since been placed on acceptable behaviour contracts (ABCs).
 
Officers from the Safer Neighbourhoods and Safer Streets teams have been working closely with staff at the fast food outlet to train them on what action to take if anti-social behaviour is taking place. McDonalds have also organised and paid for the seating area outside the premises to be removed, to try and discourage individuals from congregating there, and for the CCTV system to be upgraded.
 
Police will continue to visit the premises to support staff while on routine patrol and measures have been put in place to improve communications between the two parties. This includes keeping a detailed incident book which staff on each shift will keep updated.
 
Eastleigh Safer Neighbourhoods and Safer Streets officers have also been out visiting local schools and youth clubs in the run up to the summer in order to advise youngsters about acceptable behaviour and to encourage them to think about the consequences of their actions. This type of activity is key to Hampshire Constabulary’s summer anti-social behaviour campaign which was launched on May 28.
 
PC Heather Turton, who is the beat manager for Eastleigh town centre, said: “We’re pleased to see the hard work of the local policing teams, staff at McDonalds and our partner agencies is paying off. Staff at McDonalds are now able to enjoy their work environment and are more confident in challenging any unacceptable behaviour. In the month of May there was just one reported incident at McDonalds where as between January and April we were averaging at about eight reported incidents each month. Even the customers have commented to staff about the improved atmosphere inside the restaurant. The Safer Neighbourhoods team will continue to take a zero tolerance approach to anti-social behaviour in the town centre so that we can ensure it remains a safe and pleasant place for all.”