POLICING teams in Basingstoke have taken an innovative approach to tackling anti-social behaviour in the town centre.

The Neighbourhood Policing Team has successfully applied for Criminal Behaviour Injunctions for three teenagers - a 17-year-old boy, a 15-year-old boy and a 14-year-old boy, who cannot be identified for legal reasons – to prevent them from engaging in anti-social behaviour.

Granted by Basingstoke Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 5 June, the six-month order means the three teenagers cannot enter a specified area of Basingstoke town centre, either by themselves or with others.

The area covered includes the Top of the Town, Festival Place and The Malls shopping centres, the railway station, War Memorial Park and Eastrop Park.

There are exceptions to the order so that the teenagers can attend appointments, school or work, or visit town centre itself if accompanied by specified adults.

However, if the terms of the order are breached then the teens will be liable on conviction to a term of imprisonment or to a fine or both.

PC Christian Reid Milligan, of the Basingstoke’s Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “We are continually working with our local partners and businesses to address anti-social behaviour issues in Basingstoke town centre.

“As part of this work, we have looked at all options available to us, including the use of injunctions.

 “This order is a first for our district, and we believe it will help us address an issue that has a negative impact on those living and working nearby.”

If anyone encounters any incidents of anti-social behaviour, they are asked to contact the police on 101.