Charlestown dispersal order follows night of harbour trouble

Businesses in Charlestown handing back money, locking up before closing time and wondering whether to open at all the next day. That, police say, is what the historic harbour village was dealing with before officers stepped in with new powers to move people on.

What the order does

The St Austell Neighbourhood Policing Team has brought in a dispersal order to tackle anti-social behaviour in Charlestown. The powers let officers ask anyone causing, or likely to cause, harassment, alarm or distress to leave the area.

Anyone who refuses risks being arrested or taken home. Officers can also take alcohol off anyone underage, and high visibility patrols are running at what police describe as key times.

Officers say the aim is straightforward. Keeping people safe and keeping order are the stated priorities, with particular thought given to those who live in Charlestown or run businesses there.

The night that prompted it

In the post, officers set out what tipped the decision. They said a number of youths had been abusive towards members of the public and local businesses. The effect on those businesses was direct. Police say they were forced to offer refunds to customers, close early, and think about not opening the following day.

Officers also described youths throwing items into the harbour, close to boats moored there.

“This anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated,” the team wrote.

A message to parents

Alongside the order, police have gone directly to parents. They are urging families to make sure children are not causing a nuisance or having a negative impact on residents and on the many people who come to Charlestown for a day out.

The framing from officers is that a small number of people are spoiling things for everyone. As the team put it, the behaviour of a few is detrimental to all, and the wellbeing of everyone in the area has to come first.

Charlestown, with its tall ships and Georgian harbour, draws visitors through the summer and has stood in for period settings on screen more than once. For now, the people paid to keep an eye on it are the ones deciding who gets to stay.