A ‘custody village’ in Northampton town centre saw 28 arrests made as part of a crackdown on alcohol-related disorder.
The facility was in the town last Friday and Saturday as part of Northamptonshire Police’s Operation Challenge, and also led to 26 people being issued with Section 27 notices, forbidding them from returning to a specified area for up to 48 hours.
The unit allowed officers to provide advice and guidance to drunk and vulnerable people, as well as providing them with an ‘on the ground’ unit where they could detain and deal with people who had been arrested.
Inspector Sally Trattle said: “The festive season is a traditional time for people to go out and celebrate with friends and colleagues and we are there to make sure they can do this without being affected by alcohol-related crime and disorder. People who are drunk are more likely to be either an offender - or indeed a victim - of violence.
“We are using the powers at our disposal to take appropriate action to prevent this happening and are dealing robustly with those that step over the line. Everyone we arrested or issued Section 27 notices to will receive a follow-up visit by an officer who will talk to them about their behaviour. The consequences in the cold light of day often have a very sobering effect.
“The vast majority of people out over the weekend were not causing any trouble at all – they were out to enjoy themselves. We’re here to ensure they can do just that and are sending a clear message that we will not tolerate those who behave in a drunk and violent way.”
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