Measures to tackle anti-social behaviour extended in Thame

Police in Thame will continue to have increased powers to tackle anti-social behaviour, after the town’s Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) was extended.

South Oxfordshire District Council recently carried out a review of the PSPO, which was introduced in 2018 to tackle alcohol and group related anti-social behaviour.  Following feedback from the police and local stakeholders, the council has agreed to extend the order for a further three years, until 2024.

The extension means that police in the town can ask somebody to stop drinking alcohol or confiscate their alcohol if they are behaving (or are likely to behave) anti-socially.  

Officers will also continue to have the power to require groups of three or more people to disperse if their behaviour is causing alarm, distress, harassment, or a nuisance.  Following an increase in anti-social behaviour around the cricket field and Church Road, the Order now covers these areas too.

If someone fails to co-operate with either request when asked they can be fined.  The measures only target anti-social behaviour and will not prevent groups from gathering together peacefully or people from drinking in public areas. 

Cllr David Rouane, Cabinet Member for Housing and Environment at South Oxfordshire District Council, said: “Thame is a very safe and peaceful place to live.  However, when issues do occur, it is important that the police have the power to tackle them as quickly as possible to ensure things don’t escalate and cause problems for residents and visitors.”

Before making the decision to extend the Public Spaces Protection Order, the district council consulted the police and then sought feedback from key stakeholders, including Thame Town Council, Oxfordshire County Council, local councillors and the local Pubwatch group, on the use of the existing order and the need to extend or vary it.