Police issue new order to control beach behaviour

Police who deal with anti-social behaviour in a seaside village have invoked powers which can have teenagers returned home or arrested if they do not leave when told.

Devon and Cornwall Police said the 48-hour dispersal order was an "unusual step" to improve behaviour in the Polzeath area, a known anti-social behaviour hot spot.

The powers were aimed at "anyone causing or likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress" - behaviours which the force said had been exacerbated by warm weather and an influx of visitors.

Insp Adam Stonehill said "large noisy groups" leaving behind litter including broken glass had prompted the order, and a beach ranger was recently met with "hostility" while working.

Appealing to parents to make sure their teenage children did not cause "a nuisance and negative impact", Stonehill said the goal was not to "spoil summer fun for young people".

He said the "behaviour of a few" was detrimental to all, while the "wellbeing of everyone in the locality" had to be considered.

The force said it would also remove alcohol from underage drinkers, while police patrols would continue.

Its main priority was to "keep everyone safe", it said.

In 2024, CCTV cameras were used to crack down on anti-social behaviour, while a disposal order was also issued in 2022.

The dispersal powers cover a zone from Greenaway Beach to Pentireglaze Haven across to Robbie Love's Campsite.

The order, now in effect until 10 July, means those dispersed by the police must leave and not return for 48 hours.

The force said the order could be extended.

A separate Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) has been in place in some areas including, Polzeath, since 2023, meaning officers can confiscate alcohol and issue fixed penalties and fines.

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