Anti-social behaviour plummets thanks to on-the-spot fines in West Bromwich

From louts setting fireworks off in the street to those found persistently begging – a total of 26 people were fined in the first three months of the crackdown.

The town centre was made subject of a public spaces protection order (PSPO) last October making the area a zero-tolerance zone for bad behaviour.

And from October to December, reports of disorder incidents fell by more than 50 per cent - to 26 incidents compared to 55 in the same three months in 2017.

Meanwhile, anti-social behaviour reports fell by nearly 44 per cent from 121 incidents to 68.

An update to Sandwell Council’s cabinet say 26 £100 fines were issued during the first three months.

Most fines were issued to people breaching the order by causing alarm and distress – including 11 who were involved in letting off fireworks.

Five fines were issued for begging offences.

The PSPO order bans causing harassment, alarm or distress to anyone; threatening violence or being verbally abusive; begging; and blocking the road or footpath with a vehicle or trailer with a restricted area.

Anyone breaching a PSPO faces a fixed penalty notice of up to £100 or a fine of up to £1,000 on prosecution. Council environmental protection officers – who issue the fines – carried out 723 hours of patrols.

Councillor Elaine Costigan, Sandwell Council’s cabinet member for public health and protection, said: “Hopefully people are getting the message that anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated.

"PSPOs are an extra tool we are using to prevent problems, alongside a wide range of other action.

"We are also making sure vulnerable people and rough sleepers are offered support.”