I am writing in response to Michael Park’s letter re Wallington (Your Say, November 6).
We are doing a great deal of enforcement to address residents’ concerns about street drinkers who gather from time to time in various public places around the borough.
When we see this happening we stop them drinking from open containers, confiscate alcohol being consumed and dispose of it – as well as move drinkers away from the area.
Failure to comply could make offenders liable to a fine of up to £500. In addition, we are making arrests where behaviour
constitutes a public order offence or is in breach of council bylaws.
In Wallington, police have set up four responsible retail agreements with licensed premises who recognise their potential community impact and have agreed voluntarily not to stock extra-strong beers, lager and cider.
We have identified some of the individuals who gather to drink and are working with our partner agencies like social services, health and housing to address their behaviour, but also support them to improve their well being over the short and long-term.
In addition, Sutton is taking a full and active part in Operation Equinox – a Met-wide initiative to combat alcohol-fuelled crime and antisocial behaviour from October until the new year – an initiative that has sadly gone unreported in Sutton to date.
In Sutton, this operation means we have teams of officers led by a sergeant dedicated to combating alcohol fuelled violence. Also, we are working with all licensees so they can enforce their obligations as part of their licensing agreements to refuse alcohol sales to customers who would otherwise become drunk or to anyone under 18.
On the day and time highlighted by Mr Park, we had officers patrolling the area.
We attended within the hour and told the drinkers to leave. One of these drinkers was well known to police and has been supported by our partner organisations for several years. However, he has chosen currently not to assist with programmes designed to help him.
We will continue to enforce the law and work with local communities to make the borough a safer place for everyone to enjoy.
DUNCAN MCMILLAN
Chief Inspector Partnership, Sutton police station
- Send your letters to: letters@suttonguardian.co.uk
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