Police double numbers to tackle yobs in Minehead (From Somerset County Gazette)

Police double numbers to tackle yobs in Minehead

6:30am Friday 14th September 2012 in West Somerset

POLICE numbers in Minehead town centre will double during busy weekends this autumn – to rid the streets of drunken yobs.

Butlin’s has agreed to fund extra officers for five weekends between now and Christmas when it has major events planned which bring large numbers of visitors to Minehead.

As part of a partnership with police announced this week, it was also revealed holidaymakers from Butlin’s who cause trouble in town will be taken back to the resort by officers and asked to pack their bags.

A police spokesman said while crime at weekends has not risen, many people are scared to visit the town centre because of the number of large groups in pubs and incidents of alcohol-related anti-social behaviour.

Inspector Lisa Simpson said it was vital people reported anti-social behaviour as soon as it happened.

She added: “This new scheme requires us all to work together – the police, Butlin’s, the town’s licensed premises and the local community.

“We are absolutely committed to tackling all types of anti-social behaviour and we will not tolerate it.

“We have a lovely town and tourism is absolutely vital to our economy.

“The additional visitors are very welcome but we will deal robustly with the minority whose behaviour is unacceptable and detrimental to residents and other visitors.

“Butlin’s will be warning guests of the consequences of any anti-social behaviour before they leave the site.

“Those who behave in an unacceptable fashion will be escorted back to the site by police and will be asked to vacate their accommodation and leave the resort.”

Julian Highfield, site director at Butlin’s, said: “We are pleased to be working with the police and the local community in tackling anti-social behaviour.

“It's in the interests of our guests, as well as our town, to ensure any anti-social behaviour is dealt with swiftly.”

Minehead Mayor Tony Berry said: “The town has a very good relationship with Butlin’s and I feel Minehead is better policed now than it used to be.

“If there are problems these days, they tend to be in the day, rather than at night.

“I welcome this partnership.”