Latest news with #community safety
BBC News
7 days ago
- BBC News
Wiltshire PCC vows to tackle 'grim' town's anti-social behaviour
Parts of a town centre have been described as "grim" by the local police and crime commissioner who has vowed to tackle anti-social residents, businesses and councillors put their crime concerns to PCC Philip Wilkinson during a specially arranged event in Trowbridge on owner Michelle Witter said it was about time issues in the town were being addressed, adding: "In the last seven months (it) has been really, really bad."Mr Wilkinson said: "We've walked through spaces today which are grim. The first thing we need to do here is put in place a PSPO (Public Spaces Protection Order)." He said this would need to be led by the council, but added Wiltshire Police would "provide all the support" to address anti-social behaviour in those areas. The comments followed a walkabout that started in Fore Street and made its way through the Shires shopping centre and Trowbridge event was part of a wider programme of engagement aimed at tackling community safety Witter said there have been "multiple incidents" recently, including "fights, people being arrested on a daily basis, smoking weed, drinking and screaming and shouting"."It's quite shocking to know that it is taking place in such a small community," she added. Issues surrounding anti-social behaviour and street drinking were discussed, with specialist drug and alcohol support charities also present at the Ho Tsang, from the town's neighbourhood policing team, said that community support was vital in improving the situation."(Crime) is not just a policing matter, it's a community matter," he said."There are partners out there, which we've got to listen to and work together to develop a long term solution."He acknowledged that in an "ideal world" there would be a larger number of officers regularly patrolling the town, but added that the force "needs to balance our resources with the wider demand".
Daily Mail
25-06-2025
- Daily Mail
BREAKING NEWS Active shooter opens fire at Santa Monica Place mall
An active shooter has opened fire at a mall in Santa Monica, California. This is a breaking news story.
ABC News
10-06-2025
- Politics
- ABC News
NT government to allow public use of Oleoresin Capsicum spray for 'personal safety' in 12-month trial
The Northern Territory is set to become the second Australian jurisdiction allowing residents to carry pepper spray, in a government trial aimed at improving personal safety. The NT government has announced it would "consider" a 12-month trial to allow "approved members of the public" to carry and use a low-percentage Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) spray "for self-defence under strict legal conditions". OC spray is a non-lethal tool that is used to incapacitate people by causing a painful burning sensation and temporary vision impairment. The trial is expected to begin in September, after consultation led by NT Police and involving stakeholders, industry bodies, licensees and the broader community. Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said the trial was "about giving Territorians more choice when it comes to personal safety". Western Australia is currently the only Australian state or territory where people can carry the non-lethal spray under strict conditions. "We've seen Western Australia undertake a similar trial, and it's provided valuable insights into how a controlled, lawful model can give people greater peace of mind without compromising public safety," Ms Finocchiaro said. "This is about equipping Territorians with more options, not less control. "It's a practical step that balances personal responsibility with community safety, and we'll be watching the outcomes closely through reporting and evaluation." The government said a "community oversight reference group" would be established to review the trial. The Country Liberal Party government has passed a suite of law and order reforms since coming to power in August, including stricter bail laws and lowering the age of criminal responsibility. The previous NT Labor government passed new laws allowing security guards to carry OC spray.
