POLICE in Calne are applying to renew the town's dispersal order when it runs out at the end of September. The order means that police have the power to split up groups of youths loitering at The Pippin. Inspector Gavin Williams said: "There has been a huge drop in crime and anti social behaviour in the Calne area since this order was put in place.
"In the very short time these measures have allowed us to combat crime.
"I am keen to see the progress we have made to date continue.
"Although this is not the reason for the renewal, the order will cover Halloween, Christmas and New Year."
The number of calls made by businesses to police halved in the three months following the introduction of the dispersal order in April this year. As well as renewing the dispersal order, police are looking to continue with other initiatives designed to curb anti social behaviour in the town. The town centre ban on public drinking will continue.
Police are also working in partnership with local businesses to instal CCTV and other deterrents.
Gangs of youths who loiter outside Sainsbury's are dispersed by a Mosquito device.
This emits a high-pitched frequency which is only audible to young people.
Sainsbury's manager Kevin Rowse said: "Since the dispersal order we have seen a significant improvement in the standard of behaviour outside the store.
"Our customers have even said they don't feel as intimated to come shopping in the evening."
