Zero tolerance over nuisance drinkers

By hgreaves

POLICE have warned drinkers that Sutton is no soft touch when it comes to anti-social behaviour.

'Get Caught Go To Court' is the message from officers who have increased town centre foot patrols to tackle booze-fuelled crime.

And in the warm weather the message has been reinforced with beer mats and posters displaying the slogan.

Not only will troublemakers be arrested and put before the courts, they will also be issued with an automatic banning order stopping them from going to any of the town centre pubwatch premises for a period of two years.

Their photo will also be circulated to pubwatch bars and clubs, as well as to officers on patrol.

CCTV coverage of the town centre also means that officers can be directed to potential trouble spots, preventing any outbreaks of disorder as well as targeting offenders.

Inspector Tom Hadley said that the zero-tolerance policy would help to make sure that innocent revellers could enjoy themselves without having to contend with any crime and alcohol-fuelled disorder. He said: "Sutton is no soft touch – and we will not tolerate people who cause misery for others and use alcohol as an excuse to commit crime or disorder.

"The message is simple – come to the town centre to cause trouble and we will arrest you, issue you with a banning order and circulate your photo to all pubs in the town centre."