POLICING this year?s Goose Fair in Tavistock was deemed a ?great success? due to a revised strategy. The operation saw positive results from local police in dealing with public order incidents and traffic management. In previous years, police have found that on-going violent disorder was associated with the fairground ? with local and visiting youths participating in street violence. Police Sgt Ian Woods said under the Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006, individuals whose presence is likely to cause or contribute to alcohol-related crime or disorder, could be subject to a 48-hour banning order from the fair and surrounding areas. He said: ?With the aid of the tactical aid unit, there were no incidents of violent disorder. ?On the Friday night, three persons were served with banning orders and on Saturday night six persons were served, thus preventing threatening and menacing persons from remaining at the fair. ?This would have provided public reassurance to visitors to the fair, keeping the event as a family one that people felt safe to visit and enjoy.? There was one arrest on Goose Fair day with a local youth being dealt with by police for drunk and disorderly behaviour. This year Tavistock Town Council undertook the road closures and traffic management of the fair. Sgt Woods added: ?This allowed local officers to patrol the fair, Meadows and Plymouth Road, in greater numbers, dealing with issues of missing children and collapsed persons.? Anyone with feedback on Goose Fair can contact police on 08452 777444, or speak to an officer while they are out on patrol.
