A NUMBER of arrests and alcohol seizures have been made following a crackdown on street drinkers and aggressive beggars in Worcester city centre.

Police say Operation Spartacus is proving to be a success, having been launched at the end of October in a bid to reduce anti-social behaviour ahead of the Christmas shopping period.

The project still has two weeks left to run but already eight people have been arrested for anti-social behaviour, 25 alcohol seizures made and six people summoned before magistrates for aggressive begging at night. Officers say they have also uncovered anti-social behaviour in the Shrub Hill area, with patrols there being stepped up.

“Our efforts have been in response to concerns raised by residents and traders about the negative impact the likes of street drinking and aggressive begging can have on public safety as well as the perception of the city to tourists, shoppers and revellers,” said PC Alexander Denny, who organised the operation.

“The first week was incredibly busy and only served to show that the operation was and is necessary.

“We have been made aware of new issues in the Shrub Hill area and have been approached by businesses there who experience issues with anti-social behaviour as a result of street drinking.

“I would like to thank all members of the city centre community for bringing these matters to our attention and I actively encourage people to report any issues to us on the non-emergency number 101 or 999 if it is an emergency.”

The project was set up after residents and traders raised concerns to the city centre policing team.

Your Worcester News spent the day with officers on the first day of Operation Spartacus. While there we spoke to traders who have reported problems to the police.

“I’ve had my car vandalised four times and my office door kicked in,” said Richard Warren Greenway. of Greenway Landscape Architects, whose studio overlooks the canalside on Lowesmoor Wharf.

“People urinate and defecate underneath the stairwell outside. There was even one couple having sex.

“You don’t expect that when you come to work.”

The first week of Operation Spartacus resulted in: l Thirty-nine ‘stop and encounter’ stops.

l Twenty-five alcohol seizures within the alcohol-free zone for street drinking.

l Two people issued street cautions for possession of controlled substances.

l Eight arrests for anti-social behaviour.

l Six people were reported for aggressive begging at night in the city centre and will be summoned to appear before magistrates.