Shopping centre security staff get new powers
Published: 11 August, 2010
Security staff at the Eastgate Centre in Basildon, Essex, have been granted powers to fine people for littering.
The new powers, which come under the Police Reform Act, also include fining people for graffiti offenses, confiscating alcohol and tobacco from youngsters and even penalising parents whose children play truant.
Under the scheme, aimed at tackling anti-social behaviour, staff who have been specially trained and vetted will be able to demand names and addresses from offenders to pass on to police.
It is thought the powers could be introduced at shopping centres up and down the country.
The Eastgate Centre is part of the Community Safety Accreditation Scheme (CSAS).
