Spending a penny may cost £80 say police team

Officers from Keighley Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) say they will not tolerate people urinating in shop doorways and open public spaces in the town centre after catching a man earlier this month.

The warning is part of a new clampdown on general disorder and anti-social behaviour in Keighley in the run up to Christmas.

In the latest incident, community support officers detained a drunk man after catching him urinating in a public place in North Street. He was issued with an on-street fine of 80 for being drunk and disorderly.

Inspector Wayne Horner, of Keighley NPT, said: "We have seen recent incidents of residents relieving themselves in very public places such as shop doorways and this sort of behaviour simply will not be tolerated.

"Offences such as this are clearly not acceptable and are unpleasant for both people using the street and shop staff who can be left to deal with the mess the next morning.

"Our officers do patrol Keighley on weekend nights and anyone who is caught will face an 80 fine and possibly stronger action if they commit related offences as well."

The inspector added that his team were taking a strong line against drink-related anti-social behaviour now ahead of the busy Christmas season.

He said: "Officers are equipped with new body-mounted cameras which were tested in Keighley and we will be recording any incidents of anti-social behaviour we witness for later use in prosecutions, While we do want people to enjoy themselves those who behave unsociably should expect to be caught and should expect to face penalties."

Police hope that by taking firm action now they will get the message across to revellers ahead of the party season.