Will new enforcement officers help cut nuisance behaviour in Wolverhampton?

10 minutes ago

Caroline GallBBC News, West Midlands

The report due to be presented to cabinet highlights the success of the various prevention and intervention activities already taking place across the city, the council said

Getty Images An aerial view of Wolverhampton. There are lots of buildings and the skyline goes for miles. It is a clear day. — The report due to be presented to cabinet highlights the success of the various prevention and intervention activities already taking place across the city, the council said

A team of nine enforcement officers could be introduced to crack down on anti-social behaviour in Wolverhampton.

Here's what you need to know about new proposals the city council will look at.

What does the authority want to do?

There are several recommendations to "strengthen" the city's response to anti-social behaviour.

If approved, £1.2m would be spent on a new approach combining "prevention, intervention and enforcement" to tackle persistent anti-social behaviour.

Funding to help restructure community safety services, which cover prevention of crime, safeguarding and anti-social behaviour, will be looked at.

These include a budget for youth intervention and prevention programmes, and to continue the safer nights programme, which include the night guardians who patrol the city on certain weekends.

Nine Community Safety Enforcement Officers would be a "consistent presence on local high streets" and enforce Public Space Protection Orders (PSPO) across Wolverhampton.

Working alongside West Midlands Police, the team would engage with people and as a last resort, take action against those responsible, the council said.

The measures introduced at Bentley Bridge will be in place for three years

A police officer stands with his back to us. He is watching over the car park at a retail park, late at night. — The measures introduced at Bentley Bridge will be in place for three years

Why are changes needed?

The council said a tactic of early intervention worked in dealing with the issue.

Tackling problems quickly with the right response was also important.

A PSPO was approved in the city centre and at the Bentley Bridge Retail and Leisure Park earlier this year.

Extra police officers have been patrolling the retail park after groups of teenagers repeatedly caused issues for visitors and businesses - with issues such as drug taking, aggressive begging and dangerous e-scooter and e-bike use.

The powers mean groups of three or more people can be ordered to leave the premises if their behaviour is deemed to be causing, or is likely to cause, nuisance, harassment, alarm or distress to others using the space.

Both orders will remain in place for three years, and following their introduction instances of anti-social behaviour have reduced by just over 20%, the council said.

Concerns from residents and businesses in the city centre included the use of e-scooters and playing loud music, a council report said

Wolverhampton city centre. There are large crowds of people walking along outside shops. There is a Costa coffee shop and a number of bright signs in view. — Concerns from residents and businesses in the city centre included the use of e-scooters and playing loud music, a council report said

When could this happen?

The Police and Crime Act 2026 introduced earlier this year has given authorities and police further powers to address issues.

They include allowing the closure of premises associated with persistent nuisance, disorder or criminality and issuing civil injunctions against individuals. Victims of persistent ASB can have their complaint reviewed if local thresholds are met.

The council's cabinet meets on Wednesday to discuss its proposals.

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