Reports of antisocial behaviour at a McDonald’s restaurant in Worksop fell by 75 per cent between March and July following measures introduced by police and restaurant managers.
Nottinghamshire Police said 12 incidents were reported at the Mills Way restaurant in Manton during March, compared with three in July. No incidents were reported during May.
A problem management plan was introduced in January in response to reports of youth-related antisocial behaviour, mainly during evenings and school holidays.
Measures have included providing body-worn video cameras for restaurant staff, playing classical music during the evening and disabling free Wi-Fi and charging facilities at designated times.
A member of staff has also been stationed at the entrance during certain periods to manage access.
Police and restaurant managers have established a staged system for responding to incidents. This begins with banning letters and can progress to acceptable behaviour contracts.
Neighbourhood officers have also carried out patrols around the restaurant, seized a bicycle linked to reported incidents and contacted the family of a young person identified as having been involved in disorder.
Other measures available to officers in cases of persistent antisocial behaviour include community protection warnings and notices, as well as applications for criminal behaviour orders.
Police and restaurant managers continue to hold monthly meetings to review reported incidents, share information and coordinate further action.
PCSO Sarah Richardson, of the Worksop South neighbourhood policing team, said officers had sought advice from South Wales Police, which had previously worked with a McDonald’s restaurant facing similar problems.
She said: “Issues at the restaurant centred around youth ASB, usually on an evening and during school holidays.
“We’ve seen a reduction in ASB and we’ve had positive feedback, but we’re not complacent.
“This work will include increased patrols, further evenings of action and ongoing monthly meetings with the local McDonald’s management to discuss progress and any concerns.”
McDonald’s franchisee James Thompson, who owns and operates the Mills Way restaurant, said: “I’m extremely proud of the progress we have made in partnership with Nottinghamshire Police to address the challenges at our Mills Way restaurant.
“We will continue to work closely with the local police, council and community groups so that we can be part of the solution.”
