A multi-agency operation has enjoyed successful results in a second week of action in the city centre.

Operation Zephyr, which is the second of its kind, targets begging, street drinking and associated anti-social behaviour.

Community Protection Officers, Police Community Support Officers and Police Constables worked together in a week - long operation to tackle problems in the city centre area.

“There were 20 arrests for varying offences,” said Community Protection Sgt Paul Harris. “These ranged from theft, to breach of ASBO and begging offences. All individuals who were stopped were also sign posted to the relevant agencies who can help them with drug addiction, alcoholism and homelessness”.

Begging has reduced by 85% in Nottingham city centre since 2003.

Officers also issued 19 acceptable behaviour contracts, which encourage offenders to modify their behaviour before enforcement action is necessary.

“This was a very successful operation for us,” said Community Protection PC, Atlas Iqbal. “Begging and street drinking can often be associated with other more serious crimes and by concentrating for a whole week on one area, repeat offenders realise that we will be persistent in dealing with them. It also sends a message to other individuals that this kind of anti-social behaviour is not welcome in Nottingham”.

Leader of the Council, Cllr Jon Collins is fully supportive of the operation: “We’ve had great success in tackling street drinking and begging in the city centre but we need to keep it going. We know that begging and street drinking is not something local people want to see in Nottingham. We will continue our efforts both in tackling the problems through enforcement but also dealing with the causes of the problems, tackling drug and alcohol addiction and supporting individuals back into more positive lifestyles.”