POLICE in Okehampton this week say they are pleased with the results of an ongoing operation to try and curb anti-social behaviour in the town. Specially trained ?optical evidence gathering teams? are being used this month to ensure the safety of people enjoying a night out in the town. For the past two weekends, the teams, who use hand-held video cameras to record evidence, have been out on the streets recording events. Acting Sergeant Julian Roadknight, who has been running Operation Belmac, as it is called, said: ?The message from us is very simple ? we will not tolerate people engaging in alcohol-related rowdy behaviour and violent disorder. Anyone acting violently will be arrested. ?We will also review tapes of incidents, and where appropriate, offenders can expect to receive an £80 fine or find themselves in court.? Sgt Roadknight said officers were happy with the results of Operation Belmac so far and had noticed a reduction in disorder when teams were out with cameras. ?Above all we want people to have a good time, but stay safe and in control,? he said. Police can issue penalty notices for a range of offences, from people being abusive to being drunk and disorderly in a public place. The process can also involve showing the offender footage of their actions. Officers will continue to work closely with licensees in the Okehampton areas to make the town a safer environment in which to socialise during the festive season and into the New Year.
