Police are stepping up enforcement against street drinking and anti-social behaviour in Devizes Market Place, as concerns grow over disorder that some shoppers say is driving people away from the Wiltshire market town.
Officers have been targeting groups drinking alcohol in public areas, using powers available under the town’s existing Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) to confiscate alcohol and challenge behaviour causing problems for residents, businesses and visitors.
The renewed focus comes as the Government introduces tougher Respect Orders, giving police and local authorities additional powers to tackle persistent offenders responsible for anti-social behaviour.
Reports of public drunkenness, aggressive language, urinating in public and damage to the historic town centre have fuelled concerns about the impact on Devizes.
Some shoppers have complained about being sworn at or subjected to abuse, with concerns that the behaviour is discouraging people from visiting Market Place.
Police Target Street Drinkers in Devizes Market Place
The Public Spaces Protection Order has been in force across designated parts of Devizes since November 2024.
The order was introduced to help tackle alcohol-related disorder and persistent anti-social behaviour affecting the town centre.
Under the restrictions, police can require people to surrender alcohol where the relevant legal conditions are met.
The powers have been used to seize and dispose of alcohol from people drinking in the town centre.
Inspector Andy Lemon has previously described how officers have encountered groups drinking in Market Place, with police intervening to remove alcohol and address nuisance behaviour.
During an enforcement visit in September, the inspector had already confiscated and poured away alcohol and moved street drinkers away from the area by around 10am.
Despite these interventions, officers have acknowledged that street drinking and disorder remain a problem.
‘Disgraceful’ Behaviour Sparks Concern Among Shoppers
The continuing problems have raised questions about the impact of anti-social behaviour on Devizes town centre.
Complaints include groups gathering to drink alcohol, offensive language directed towards members of the public and people urinating in public spaces.
There have also been reports of damage to the historic fountain in the town centre.
Some shoppers say they have become reluctant to visit Market Place because of intimidating and abusive behaviour.
The concerns extend beyond the immediate disturbance, with fears that repeated incidents could damage the reputation of the town centre and discourage visitors from supporting local businesses.
For retailers and other businesses, maintaining a safe and welcoming environment is particularly important at a time when high streets are competing to attract customers.
Inspector Andy Lemon Says Existing Order ‘Lacks Teeth’
Inspector Andy Lemon has previously acknowledged the limitations of the existing Public Spaces Protection Order.
Speaking about enforcement in September, he described the order as useful but said it lacked sufficient powers to deal with persistent problems.
While the PSPO enables officers to intervene over alcohol-related behaviour, it does not automatically provide a general power of arrest for every breach.
Police have been working with Wiltshire Council and Devizes Town Council to consider further measures to address the continuing issues.
Wiltshire Police have also identified anti-social behaviour and enforcement of the town centre PSPO as a local policing priority.
Increased patrols and engagement with residents and businesses form part of that work.
New Respect Orders Could Bring Tougher Penalties for Persistent Offenders
New Respect Orders came into force across England and Wales on Monday 26 October 2026, providing police and councils with additional legal options for tackling serious and persistent anti-social behaviour.
Unlike the existing town-wide PSPO, a Respect Order is a court-issued measure directed at an individual whose behaviour meets the legal threshold.
The orders can impose restrictions designed to prevent further disruption.
These may include:
- Banning individuals from specified town centres or other locations.
- Prohibiting drinking alcohol in designated public areas.
- Imposing restrictions aimed at preventing repeated harassment or intimidation.
- Requiring offenders to undertake alcohol or drug treatment or other programmes addressing the causes of their behaviour.
Breaching a Respect Order is a criminal offence and can result in arrest.
Those convicted of breaching an order could face penalties including imprisonment for up to two years.
The new legislation also extends police dispersal powers from 48 to 72 hours, allowing officers to exclude individuals from specified areas for longer where the legal requirements are met.
The powers provide another potential enforcement option should Wiltshire Police and partner agencies decide that existing measures are insufficient.
Police Under Pressure to Restore Confidence in Devizes Town Centre
The continuing problems have prompted calls for stronger and more consistent action to ensure residents and visitors feel comfortable using Market Place.
While the existing PSPO has enabled police to intervene against street drinking, concerns remain that individuals can return and continue causing disruption.
The introduction of Respect Orders could provide an additional means of tackling repeat offenders through individually targeted restrictions backed by criminal penalties.
For Devizes, the challenge will be ensuring that enforcement produces lasting improvements rather than simply moving the problem elsewhere.
Wiltshire Police say tackling anti-social behaviour in Market Place and the wider town centre remains a priority.
Residents and businesses experiencing persistent anti-social behaviour can report incidents directly to Wiltshire Police through the force’s website or by calling 101.
Anyone facing an immediate threat or witnessing a crime in progress should call 999.
