A man has been issued with a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) in a bid to reduce alcohol-related anti-social behaviour (ASB) in an area of Bristol where concerns have been raised over the last six months. Steven James Edmunds, 49, of North Street, was handed the order by Bristol Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, November 14 in an attempt to reduce ASB in Southville.
The CBO issued to Mr Edmunds will last for two years. Breaching the conditions of the CBO can lead to arrest and the courts imposing a fine and/or a prison sentence.
Mr Edmunds may not beg in Bristol, sit any any bus stop without intending to travel and may not sit at any bus stop with an open canister of alcohol. Mr Edmunds is also prohibited from sitting on North Street or nearby roads with an open canister of alcohol.
Neighbourhood Sergeant Stuart Williams said: “This issue remains a priority for us and my team will continue to carry out uniformed patrols of the area whenever they are on duty.
“I understand that it might seem to the community that progress in tackling the problem has been slow. We have to follow due process and it takes time to build the evidence we need to make a compelling case to the courts.
“I hope this successful CBO application will reassure the community of our commitment to dealing with ASB and show others that their actions will have consequences.”
Sergeant Williams added that action can only be taken once police can demonstrate that an individual has been offered support and opportunity to change their behaviour. He added: “It’s reports from the public, either by using our website’s online reporting form or calling 101, which are the key. By showing the scale of the problem, they help us to target our patrols and provide the evidence we need to take action.”
Last month, the councillors representing the Southville ward held a meeting at the Tobacco Factory with residents who have been affected by ASB, including street drinking and drug use, who said that there was a lack of police action. Residents told councillors and the police that vulnerable people are “being exploited”.
Avon and Somerset Police said that if a crime is underway, or someone is at an immediate risk of harm, call 999.