DAY-TIME drinkers are having alcohol seized by officers in an attempt to crack down on anti-social behaviour.

Over the past few months, officers from the Neighbourhood Policing Team have targeted anti-social behaviour including begging, street drinking, drugs and driving offences in the city.

Police say the operation has “yielded good results so far, and officers are keen to continue to build on that success”.

Salisbury city centre has a designated no alcohol zone, which gives officers the power to seize and destroy alcohol from people drinking in the streets within that zone.

About 250 bottles and cans of alcohol were seized throughout the operation, which started in November last year.

Two people have been summoned to court for this offence and one person was arrested on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly.

Fixed penalty notices for possession of cannabis were issued in seven incidents and a local man who was reported for a public order offence received a suspended sentence.

Officers are also looking at the amount of begging which occurs in the City Centre and gave formal advice on over 16 separate occasions to those believed to have been doing so. The majority of these people were not homeless, but those who were in need were sign posted to local charities who provide accommodation and food services.

A 40-year-old local woman was reported for two offences of begging and fined £85. A local man aged 33 was also fined £50 with a £30 victim surcharge for begging in the city centre. He is also subject of an Anti-social Behaviour Contract (ABC) and has been offered support from a number of agencies.

The team are also cracking down on anti-social driving and a 24 year old man from Salisbury has been reported for careless driving and is due to appear in court on a date to be fixed.

Inspector Pete Sparrow said: “My team are working with the local authority and other agencies to tackle these issues and their efforts are not just about handing out fines or prosecutions but to sign-post people to the appropriate services for help and support.”

“We recognise that more action needs to be taken on prevention, however this does not mean that we will tolerate anti-social behaviour on our streets. The Neighbourhood Policing Team are proactive and committed to helping ensure that Salisbury is a safe place.”

Anyone who witnesses anti-social behaviour is encouraged to contact police on 101. If a crime is in progress call 999.