Mop cops bid to clean up resort

Mops at ready for the harbour team

People who relieve themselves in public on the streets of Torbay face having to clean up after themselves.

The police are stepping up patrols in the worst-affected harbour area, and they are handing offenders caught in the act a bucket and mop.

Supt Chris Singer from Devon and Cornwall Police described the initiative as a form of "restorative justice".

If a person refuses they could be given a penalty notice or arrested.

It is making people responsible for their behaviour Supt Chris Singer

The mop wielding cops, known officially as the Night-time Economy Team, have been created to make sure Torbay, which calls itself the English Riviera, is not spoiled by yobs.

Supt Singer told BBC News: "It is a bit tongue in cheek, but the serious side is that it is making people responsible for their behaviour.

"We can't force people to do it but if somebody's drunk and they're causing a nuisance of that nature there are offences committed.

"This is a question really of a sensible approach that is along the lines of restorative justice, you clear it up, take the warning."

The move follows an attack on booze-fuelled yobs last month by Devon and Cornwall Chief Constable Stephen Otter.

Supt Singer said: "Some people may think it's a bit of fun to relieve themselves in the street after a night on the town.

"But it's not. For the majority who have to live, work and shop in the area it's not nice after these offenders have left their mess behind."

The bucket and mop, provided by Torbay Council, will be kept at the harbour side tourist office for use when needed.

A Torbay Council spokeswoman said: "We enjoy a strong working partnership with the police and, as we are working towards a cleaner, greener Bay, we fully support this police initiative."